SINCLAIR COiMPUTERS
The Sinclair QL
-a 32 bit CPU Powerhouse'
Peru, Iniiiana 46970
News and New i^mDuars
* UPDATE COMPUTER SYSTEMS *
UPDATE COMPUTER SYSTEMS is Edited and Published by Carol and Frank
Davis of P.O. Box 1095, Peru, Indiana 46970. Phone number is
317-473-8031, with normal phone hours being between 5 P.M. and 9:30
P.M. Eastern Time during the week and Hoon to 6 P.M. on weekends. Vhen
we are not there or unavailable, please leave a message with our
answering machine. Unless urgent you will be answered by mail.
Mailing date for all issues is the fifteenth of the issue month.
The magazine is published on a quarterly basis in the months of
October, January, April and July. All subscriptions begin and end at
the same time ... first Issue being October and all renewals coining due
after receipt of the July issue. The cost is $18.00 U.S. for a one year
subscription for North America, and for those outside of this area
$20.00 U.S. ¥e accept personal and business checks, money orders and to
obtain back issues prior to October 1990, please contact the former
Publisher, Bill Jones at 1317 Stratford Ave., Panama City, Florida
32404. He will gladly provide you with the needed Issues and
information. The use of a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope would be
appreciated and help to speed a reply.
Assistance in Publishing this magazine is provided by Eliad P. Vannum,
poet, computer user and all round good guy, The magazine is made
possible by the regular contributors such as Peter Hale, Bill Cable, Al
Feng, Bob Hartung to name a few, and by the many contributions of other
writers and programmers. Your contributions to this magazine are
welcome. This Is truly a magazine BY THE USER AND FOR THE USER OF
SIHCLAIR, TIMEX AHD CAMBRIDGE COMPUTERS. Vhen we cover other operating
systems such as CPM or MSDOS it will be in relationship to our
computers or emulators for our systems to run their software. Ve
primarily cover disk based systens and software for the TS2068,
Spectrum, QL, Z88...and will cover items on the TSIOOO if disk drive
based or in relationship to using it with the above mentioned
computers. Ve do accept reviews of peripherals that are useable by our
systems, such as scanners, printers, modems, etc. Submissions should be
on disk or hard copy (two copies and at least NLQ, no draft mode). If
there Is artwork, please let us know in what order It should be used,
and provide it as a saved screen or hard copy screen dump. The format
is very relaxed. Just pay attention to the width of the pages and allow
3/4 inch top and bottom, and make the left and right margins wide
enough to accomodate a 3 hole punch that does not cut out some of the
text. Ve have enlarge and reduction capacity to adjust a page, but may
lose soue print legibility in the process. Most important is
legibility. Draft quality dot matrix does not reproduce well. Print
size preference is ELITE 12 characters per inch. PICA 10 characters
per inch is okay also, but please no condensed print. Please do not
make programs submitted on cassette tape under any clrcunstance, disk
or hardcopy only. Exceptions to this would be the wafers used on the
Rotronlcs Vafadrive for the Spectrum or tS2068 with emulator. Z88
programs on disk may be in either IBM or QL format or hardcopy, TS2068
prograns may be LLISTED in 32 chr. lines, but that is not solely
necessary, just do not send a copy protected disk that needs to be
LLISTED.
UPDATE COMPUTER SYSTEMS PAGE DIRECTORY, APRIL 1991
The computer that an article concerns is marked by using the
following mark at the start of the page number-TS2068 = »,QL = #
,Z88 = % . There will be no mark if the article or ad applies to
all or several different computer systems.
Inside Front Cover contains magazine basic information
Page
No.
- -Directory
Page
No.
2-
--Editorial by Frank Davis
Page
No.
3-
--Notice From Bill Jones/ Bottle Cap Software Ad
^Page
No.
4-
--DataStore and DataFetch by David Solly
»Page
No.
10- ■
--Disjointed Programming Tips by Bill Jones
*Page
No.
11--
--Byte Power Ad
*Page
No .
12- •
H ridio^c:! Xt5 vi X v/^xliXUii£> Gt OUlJlc Jr X Ogl ainin X ng 1 Xp9
hi/ Ri 1 1 <Tor\P><s
Ujf U X X X vlwIlCS£>
Page
No.
15- ■
--Amateur Programming Support by Bill Jones
*Page
No -
15- •
No.
16- ■
^Page
No.
17- ■
• — 206fl Hoin#* Rom CnT*T*^r't" i on«S"»P5*T*'l" 1 hw
Bill Pederson
#Page
No.
25- ■
--Cable Column by Bill Cable
#Page
No.
26- ■
■-Wood and Wind Computing Ad
Page
No.
27--
--Mechanical Affinity Ad
#Page
No.
28--
--How To Do Do In TK2 by Bob Hartung
Page
No.
29--
-RMG Ad
#Page
No.
30--
-OLUSTer/QL Utilities by Al Feng
Page
No.
35--
--Eliad's Wanderings by E. P. Wannum
#Page
No.
36--
-Printer "A/B" Switch Eliminator by Mort Binstock
Page
No.
37--
-Ed Grey Enterprises Ad
*Page
No.
38--
-The Sinclair Desktop Publishing Journal by Mike
Felerski
#Page
No.
42--
--QL Desktop Publishing by Frank Davis
*Page
No.
43--
-Two Column + Wide Tasword Printouts by Bob
Hartung
*Page
Na^
43--
•-Dropped Bytes by Bob Hartung
%Page
No.
44--
-Domino Cubes Ad
96Page
No.
45--
•-Z88 Programs On Disk from Domino Cubes
#Page
No.
48--
-Non-Epson Screen Dumps from Easel by Bob Hartung
#Page
No.
48--
-EMSoft Ad
tPage
No.
49--
-Computer Therapy by Bill Woodward
Back
Covers - -
-Issue Disks for TS2068 and QL
All material used in this publication is copywritten and remains
solely in ownership by either the Magazine or the author. To
reprint from this magazine please contact either the magazine
or specific author. All Issue Disks are copyrighted and remain
the property of the software author. All hardware advice is
followed at the users sole risk.
1
EDITORIAL by Frank Davis, Editor
Welcome to another issue of this magazine. We found
ourselves running a wee bit late once again. This time it
w^s not due to mechanical failure, but rather to Carol injuring
herself and ending up with 6 to 8 weeks on crutches and a walker
in order to get around. She is slowly getting better, and will
hopefully be well enough to attend our user group picnic the 8th
of June at our country place. As she normally does all the cut
and paste, photocopying and collating, this procedure got slowed
down. We may be a bit late at times, but we will get there. Your
patience is appreciated.
Jack Dohany and I spoke recently and he told me he was a bit
hasty in his announcement of pulling out of the retail end
of selling Sinclair products, and that he will be taking orders
till he has finalized arrangement for his products to be carried
by other dealers. He did say that service would not be fast
during this time period, but that he will deliver.
We have had a few good readers and Sinclair users pass away
recently and I wish to dedicate this issue to them. They are Don
Lamen, Warren Fricke, and Marinus W. Heuseveldt. They were all
people who loved Sinclair computing and to whom I had spoken
or met. They will be missed by all, and I extend our condolences
to their families.
Have all of you heard that there will not be a Sinclair or
Timex-Sinclair Fest this year? Guess what... that is not entirely
true! For many years the Dayton Microcomputer Association of
Dayton, Ohio has produced the official COMPUTERFEST , and has
offered us space at this years show for a subshow for Sinclairs
and Timex-Sinclair. This show has around 15,000 attendees each
year and has long ( at least the past six years I know about)
had a few Sinclair groups attend with a couple of Sinclair
lectures. Gary Ganger of Dayton (he was on the committees for
the shows I produced for Sinclairs at Cincinnati and
Indianapolis in 1986 and 1987) is the contact person for this at
513-849-1483. The show will take place August 24th and 25th at
the Hara Arena in Dayton Ohio. General admission tickets for
this are $5.00 each. For those interested there will be a
banquet the night before. Contact Gary for more info on that by
phoning at a decent hour or writing him at his home at 812
Hedwick Street, New Carlisle, Ohio, 45344-2619.
At this time SMUG from Wisconsin, ISTUG from Indiana, the
Dayton Timex-Sinclair Users Group will definitely be there. I
have heard that CATUG of Illinois, CATS of D.C. , and the
Cleveland Sinclair Users Group may possibly be there. Mechanical
Affinity will be there, QUANTA, and of course UPDATE Magazine
all ready to serve you. I talked to Ed Grey about this and he
seemed interested. Now it is up to you readers, users and other
groups to help bring this about. Contact Gary and offer him some
help with this, or to do a seminar. With SMUG there I expect
they will be bringing more Timex stuff from Zebra to sell.
In order to reserve a dealer, user group or flea market
table all in the same block Gary will need to have your money
and reservation before June the first. This is our chance, so
let us take advantage of this. We hope to have much more
information on this for the July issue of UPDATE. See you all at
the show.
2
NOTICE
From: Bill Jones, past Publisher
(This is not a disappearing act.)
My Software titles appear in most back issues of Update Magazine
with my own personal address as the ordering source, FrcMn this day
forward I would like for all orders for m^- software to be addressed to
UPDATE MAGAZINE and not to me. In the event that I receive orders the
orders will be forwarded to UPDATE for fill. The reason for this is
that I am a phi 1 anthropoid. I wan t to continue to support Update and
its subscribers. The proceeds of each order of my software is split 50^
with the magazine, which provides a sniall but continuing income to help
defray publishing expense.
But not to worry! I will continue to welcome all HELP calls and
will continue to exchange any faulty disks supplied by either myself or
Update, and will continue to send in articles for Frank Davis to
selectively publish. If you get tired of these articles, write some for
publication and mine will be crowded out!
Right now I'm working on conversions of all of my software to both
OLIGER DOS and LKDOS and will release then to Update as they are
finished. But this work is a slow process. For example; the Hybiscus
software conversion to Oliger DOS involves work on the syntax and
program lines of 2.5 Megabytes of prograimiing in two formats (40 and 80
track) .
Finally, I wish to give my thanks to the many who have continuously
written or called to express their warm friendship and cooperation over
the past four years. You subscribers are truly a friendly and
cooperative group, the very best association of fine people in the whole
World. I hope that all of you will give Frank and Carol Davis your
friendship and support. They truly deserve it. AND- THANKS for being
my Friend! _BJ-
5Dftu!are
For Ouiners of
Zebra Systems
OS64. Cartridge
From: Bottle Cap Softuiare
jLS84- BruslMirood Rve .
Cincinnati, OM 4.5224-
RLL Titles are $5 + $1 S^<H
:snd come on quality cassette
'J-' 1 t h FULL, instructions ! !
For a catalog of our other
programs for TS206e /TS 1000
Spectrum and TS2068-»-os64-
Send a large SRSE .
CheclbooH Keeper/Ba lancer
This program not only keeps
tracK of your checKs^ deposits,
and RTM tui thd rauua Is but actually
has a special routine that helps
you Balance your account at the
end of the month? Rnd all in 64-
columns making it easy to read.
Maxi-Bill Credit Card Payer
Maxi-Bill helps sort out all
of your credit card bills at the
end of the month and informs you
as to How MHicH to pay on each
bill in order to save tHe Mst
on xnterest! Rmounts, payments,
and expected interest are all
displayed on one screen!
Cassette Index Card Mater
Makes professional cassette
index cards for cassette storage
boxes on almost any paper stock.
Rll above programs reqiui re OS64 •
3
DATASTOREO AND DATAFETCH ()
TWO LARKEN DOS PROCEDURES
FOR HI SOFT ® PASCAL
PROGRAM AND ARTICLE BY
DAVID SOLLY
When you have become spoiled by having a disk drive
system on your Timex/Sinclair 2068, such as I have, you soon
begin to wonder what use is there in having a compiler which
allows you to write programs which are easy to maintain and
run like wildfire when compiled but grind snail's pace when
they have to access the cassette drive to store or fetch
data. This has been the problem with HiSoft Pascal compiler
for the Timex/ Sinclair 2068; however, with the new
procedures DataStoreO and DataFetchO variable data can be
stored to and fetched from disk under LARKEN DOS.
How the Procedures Work
All versions of Pascal use a stack in one form or
another to keep track of parameter passing amongst
procedures and functions. HiSoft Pascal uses the IX
register to perform this function. In the case of
DataStore 0 and DataFetchO , thirteen bytes, starting from
IX+2, become reserved in the IX register when the procedure
is called. Depending upon whether it is the DataStoreO or
DataFetchO procedure that is being called, the first two
bytes contain the number of bytes which are to be
transferred to or from the disk. This number is usually
passed to the procedure through the function SIZEO The
next two bytes contain the start address of the segment to
be transferred to disk or to where it is to be placed in
RAM. This address is usually supplied through the function
ADDR O . The remaining nine bytes contain the name under
which the data will be stored to, or, fetched from the disk.
In the demonstration program the variables Name and FileName
have been created of the user defined type iostring to pass
the file name from where it is read from the keyboard to the
procedures. Once the required information has been passed
to the procedure being called, the INLINE routine in turn
transfers the information to certain memory locations in the
LARKEN DOS cartridge and invokes the proper routines within
LARKEN DOS to Store or fetch the data.
^ The DataStoreO and DataFetchO procedures, like
their tape counterparts DIN() and DOUTO, can be used to
transfer virtually any section of RAM, including the screen
buffer, on or off the disk by supplying the start and length
parameters in the locations occupied by ADDRO and SIZEO.
A
David Solly DataStoreO & DataFetchO
Demo Program^
The demonstration program creates a small telephone
directory in which you can store ten names and ten numbers.
The program will ask you to enter ten names and numbers to
fill the directory. Next it will ask for a name under which
to store all the data which you have entered into the
variable Directory to the disk. Finally it will ask for the
file name of the data to retrieve from the disk. When you
first run the program you will have to reuse the name you
just used to store the data or the program may crash. If
you run the program several times and create a number of
files on the disk under different names you can then use any
of these names and the data stored under the name selected
will be retrieved and displayed.
Program Listing
1000 {$L-}
1010 PROGRAM STRDIR;
1020
1030
1040 CONST
1050
1060 MaxLen = 32;
1070 MaxEnt = 5/
1080
1090
1100 TYPE
1110
1120 iostring = ARRAY[1..9] OF CHAR;
1130
1140
1150
1160 String = RECORD
1170 CharStr : ARRAY [1.. MaxLen] OF CHAR;
1180 Len : INTEGER
1190 END;
1200
1210 Entry = RECORD
1220 Name : String;
1230 Number : String;
1240 END;
1250
1260
^ Based in part on the HiSoft Pascal demonstration
program Tape .
5
David Solly
DataStoreO & DataFetchO
1270
1280 VAR
1290
1300 Directory : ARRAY [L.MaxEnt] OF Entry;
1310 I : INTEGER;
1320 Ans : CHAR;
1330 FileName : iostring;
1340
1350
1360
1370 PROCEDURE StrRead (VAR EntryData : String);
1380
1390 BEGIN
1400
1410 EntryData. Len := 0;
1420 IF EOLN THEN READLN; {Clear the buffer}
1430
1440 WHILE NOT EOLN DO
1450
1460 BEGIN
1470 EntryData. Len :» EntryData. Len + 1;
1480 READ ( Ent ryDat a. Char St r[ EntryData. Len] )
1490 END;
1500
1510
1520 READLN; {Required after READ}
1530
1540 END;
1550
1560
1570
1580 PROCEDURE StrWrite (VAR PrintData : String);
1590
1610
1620 VAR
1630
1640 Letter : INTEGER;
1650
1660 BEGIN
1670
1680 FOR Letter 1 TO PrintData. Len DO
1690
1700 WRITE (PrintData.CharStr [Letter] )
1710
1720 END;
1730
1740
1750
1760
1770 PROCEDURE ReadData;
1780
1790 BEGIN
1800
1810
1820 PAGE;
1830
1840 FOR I := 1 TO MaxEnt DO
1850
6
David Solly DataStoreO & DataFetchO
I860 BEGIN
1870
1880 WITH Directory [I] DO
1890
1900 BEGIN
1910 WRITE ('Enter Name ',1:2,', Please >' ) ;
1920 StrRead(Name) ;
1930 WRITELN;
1940 WRITE ('Enter Nuinber, Please >' ) ;
1950 StrRead (Nuinber) /
1960 END;
1970
1980 END;
1990
2000 END;
2010
2020
2030 PROCEDURE PrintData;
2040
2050
2060 BEGIN
2070
2080 FOR I := 1 TO MaxEnt DO
2090
2100 BEGIN
2110
2120 WITH Directory [I] DO
2130
2140 BEGIN
2150
2160 StrWrite(Name) ;
2170 WRITE (' ');
2180 StrWrite(Niimber) ;
2190 WRITELN
2200
2210 END
2220
2230 END
2240
2250 END;
2260
2270
2280 PROCEDURE DataStore (Name : lost ring;
2290 Start, Bytes : INTEGER);
2300
2310 BEGIN
2320
2330 INLINE (
2340
2350
#F3,
#CD,
#62,
#00,
#3E,
#0B,
#32,
#02,
2360
#20,
#DD,
#E5,
#21,
#22,
#20,
#06,
#09,
2370
#DD,
#7E,
#06,
#FE,
#00,
#20,
#02,
#3E,
2380
#20,
#77,
#23,
#DD,
#23,
#10,
#F1,
#DD,
2390
#E1,
#CD,
#CC,
#00,
#DD,
#6E,
#04,
#DD,
2400
#66,
#05,
#22,
#33,
#20,
#DD,
#6E,
#02,
2410
#DD,
#66,
#03,
#22,
#31,
#20,
#CD,
#CF,
2420
#00,
#3A,
#64,
#00,
#FB
2430
7
David Solly
DataStoreO & DataFetchO
2440
2450
2460
2470
2480
2490
2500
2510
2520
2530
2540
2550
2560
2570
2580
2590
2600
2610
2620
2630
2640
2650
2660
2670
2680
2690
2700
2710
2720
2730
2740
2750
2760
2770
2780
2790
2800
2810
2820
2830
2840
2850
2860
2870
2880
2890
2900
2910
2920
2930
2940
2950
2960
2970
2980
2990
2995
3000
PROCEDURE DataFetch (Name
BEGIN
lost ring; Start, Bytes : INTEGER) ;
INLINE (
#F3, #CD,
#5C, #3E,
#21, #22,
#FE, #00,
#DD, #23,
#00, #3A,
#DD, #6E,
#20, #DD,
#31, #20,
#FB
#62,
#0B,
#20,
#20,
#10,
#B0,
#04,
#6E,
#CD,
#00,
#32,
#06,
#02,
#F1,
#5C,
#DD,
#02,
#C9,
#3E, #64,
#02, #20,
#09, #DD,
#3E, #20,
#DD, #E1,
#FE, #65,
#66, #05,
#DD, #66,
#00, #3A,
#32, #B0,
#DD, #E5,
#7E, #06,
#77, #23,
#CD, #C6,
#28, #15,
#22, #33,
#03, #22,
#64, #00,
)
END;
BEGIN {MAIN PROGRAM}
PAGE;
WRITELNCThe object of this program is to demonstrate');
WRITELNChow type may be developed to emulate the');
WRITELN ( ' type String which is found in other versions');
WRITELN<'of Pascal and also to demonstrate how data');
WRITELN ('stored within records and arrays may be');
WRITELN ('transferred to and from the LARKEN Disk');
WRITELN {'system using the new procedures "DataStore ( ) and');
WRITELN ( ' "DataFetch ()".');
WRITELN;
WRITELN;
WRITELN ('Hit any key when ready.');
READLN;
READ(Ans) ;
ReadData;
PAGE;
WRITELN ('Now to Store the data to disk');
WRITELN;
WRITE ('Enter a name for disk storeage >' ) ;
READLN;
READ(FileName) ;
DataStore (FileNaroe,ADDR (Directory) , SIZE (Directory) ) ;
PAGE;
WRITE ( ' Data Stored . ' ) ;
WRITELN;
WRITELN ('Now to fetch the data from the disk.');
WRITELN;
WRITELN ('Enter a name for disk fetch >' ) ;
READLN;
READ(FileName) ;
David Solly DataStoreO & DataFetchO
3010 READLN;
3020 DataFetch (FileName,ADDR (Directory) , SIZE (Directory) ) ;^
3030 PAGE;
3040 PrintData;
3050 WRITELN/
30 60 WRITELN;
3070 WRITELN ('End of Demonstration') *
3080
Sir Clive's Castle BBS
TIMEX/ SINCLAIR 2068
QWERTYUIOP
ASDFGHJKL RET
ZXCVBNMSSP
LKDOS
1402-1646 AJta Vista Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
Canacki
KIG 3P4
(613)745-8838
300/1200 Baud
24 Hours A Day
Message Besses
Sinclair Computer Infornnatlon
Sinclair File Transfers
LARKEN DOS SIG
Pascal Programming SIG
No User Feesi
^ DataFetch 0 , unlike its tape counterpart DIN(),
requires both the start and length parameter in its
argument .
^ This program source code is available from Sir
Clive's Castle BBS, Ottawa, Canada at (613)745-8838. The
file is called STRDIR.PS.
9
Disjointed Prc^ramiif Tips
TS-2068 Disk Drive derations
fioufht a six pack of DSDD Diskettes froa
"SAMS" for $18.00. Saas is the discount chain
owned by WalMft . These were Maxwell br«nd and
the 60 diskettes in the pack cost 30 cents each.
Used thea up in 2 days copying the hig "Hybiscus"
software for filling orders. Wish we had a faster
DISK COPY prograa! It takes 8 ainutes to copy an
80 track disk!
While copying several disks the disk drive
heats up and the resukts seen to be an occasional
CRC ERROR, either during Disk Copy or during
FORMAT. It could be that I'll need to replace the
drives pretty soon. But ay solution for now is to
stop for a cuppa and let the drives cool down. So
far, the Error Disk will re-fomt or copy without
probleas.
£XC£lie<T mOS DISK UTILITIES: The Toronto
club has Bany disk utilities in their library.
One that I find particulari ly useful is
"COPVn.Bl". This program allows the copying of
either "Selected Piles" or ALL FILES.
EXCELLENT OLIGER DISK UTILITIES: The "DOSDEX
GR(HJP", by Bob Hartung is available as an Issue
Disk from Update Magazine. This is the aost
coBplete set of disk tools that I have seen.
WHAT IS A "DOS"?
A Disk Operating Syst«: A collection of
utility prograHS designed to send and receive
packages of data to and fros a disk drive aagnetic
recorder. The Disk Drive is controlled by BASIC
PROGRAIflllNG. Such Basic Prograiwing is stored in
Machine Code forn in either EPROM or RAM MEISiORY.
Mostly our TS-2068 DOS versions are stored in
peraanent EPROH aeaory, but there is one DOS
(RAMEX) that is loaded fron Disk into the
computer's RAM Meaory. All DOS require an
Interface between the coBputer and the disk drive.
The interface has a "Disk Controller Chip" that
intrepets Basic Ciwaands into signals that
"instructs" the disk drive to perform the RECORD
or PLAY BACK tasks.
TWO TYPES of TS-2068 DOS:
Actually there are five, but only two DOS
remains Actively supported. These are the "Oliger
DOS" and the Larken DOS (LKDOS). The DOS consists
of hardware boards that plug in to the rear deck
of the TS-2068. The hardware boards contain the
Disk Interface and EPROM Meoory which contains the
DOS programing. The hardware boards connect to
the Disk Drive by aeans of a 34 conductor flat
ribbon cable. The «anual that is supplied with
the hardware board explains Ihe usage of the
systea.
Availibility: John Oliger, 11601 Whidbey
Drive, Cuaberland, IN 46190. or RMG ENTERPRISES,
1419 1/2 7th St., Oregon City, OR 97045. or Ed
Grey Enterprises, PO Box 2186, Inglewood, CA
90305. A letter to these sources will bring a
catalog of their wares.
LAST CHANCE: (To Upgrade your TS-2068 to
Disk Drive): Larken Electronics has discontinued
aaking the LKDOS hardware. There are a few
systeas reaaining in stock by RMG and Ed Grey.
John Oliger reaains as the only active supporter
(including Service) for Disk drive systeas for the
TS-2068.
COMPARISONS: Oliger DOS is the fastest to
execute Disk Drive coamands. Oliger DOS has a
built in RGB Interface to use an RGB Monitor.
LKDOS has one exclusive capability of "Sequential
Files" Save and Load. Other than these two
features the two DOS are alaost identical. If I
were buying a DOS today I would select Oliger DOS
because of its continued (tiaely) service and
support.
RECIPE for Autoaatic Pancakes: 1. Use any
brand of Pancake Mix or roll your own. 2. To the
batter add two pinches of ground Mexican Juaping
Beans. 3. Pour saall portions onto hot griddle.
The result: As each side gets done the
pancakes flip theaselves over. Warning: Dont use
aor'n two pinches else they aay stick to the
ceiling. (Recipe given by a grizzled old goucho
of questionable integrety). Until then, See You!
SHARPS
BOX 326
MECH.. VA. 231 1 1
TELE (804) 730-9697
FAX (804) 746-1978
10
BYTE POWER CATALOG
ITEM DESCRIPTION PRICE
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A Menagerie of Opinions
And some progr aiming tips
By Bill Jones
Hey Guys and Gals, Sprii^ has
sprung here in NW Florida, so it will be
Sailing and Fishing for me for the next
9 months. I just can't sit here at the
c(»iiputer lookin outa the winder at good
sailing weather. So, dont expect much
wizdem outa me for the next few issues.
This time I'll give you a little
program I named "Single Simon Labels".
This is so easy that I whipped it up in
a few minutes instead of hunting to find
a myre ccMn>licated label printing
program. It's done in LKDOS, but is
easy to go the 01 iger DOS route. In
fact if you're using 01 iger DOS you can
just eliminate the MERGE in line #60 and
substitute <LET /p=o:PAUSE 0>. This
will let you set your printer manually
for whatever print style you want. Then
when the printer is set, just touch
ENTER and you'll be ready.
The ""Init"" program has been given
before in back issues and I include it
just to show a^ain how useful it is for
setting up LKDOS and the printer styles.
So, we wont discuss "Init".
We will discuss the Simon program a
bit. Labels cane in different sizes.
It is the EffiFTH dimension of the label
that might give you problems. "Simon"
is set for an ordinary label that
acconmodates four lines, with two line
spaces between the labels. If you are
using a different size: BIQCMl SIZE,
add another data string or two, like E$,
F$, etc, to line number 10. Correct the
spacing between lines by adding or
deleting ticks in line nusnber 90 (just
before the "NEXT N". For SCULLER size
labels, delete the D$ ii^>ut in line #10,
and delete a tick or two in line #90.
C3UNKY DISK DRIVE DERATION
I recently lost the use of a 40
track drive. It had been giving a lot
of CRC errors and finally I got fed up
and decided to add it to a favorite
fishing reef. By the way, if you want
to compound Drive problems, while
spending some money foolishly, the way
to do i t is to take a drive to a repair
shop. They'll nick you for $40 to $60
and the problem "might" be fixed. And
while you're waiting for your worn out
drive to be fixed you could be callir^
Rod Gowen to have a new replacement sent
in. The cost will be near the same.
The diff is you'll either have your worn
out drive (possibly fixed temporarily)
or you'll have a new one that carrys a
90 day dealer warranty.
imiVE PROBIJEMS: First let me sa;^^
that 1 was talking to ole Frank Davis
tother day. He said that Bob Swoger had
run into some customer problems with
some versions of LKDOS boards. Seems
that some versions dont make the disk
waltz like it should. I hope that Frank
can get Bob to do a more informative
article about that situation, perhaps in
this issue. So I'll leave you hanging
on that.
CRC PRCBLEMS: There are quite a
few sources for these. Frankly I dont
know what CRC means, except thats what
the screen says when LKDOS wont load or
save a program or data. 01 iger DOS says
something different, but both mean the
same problem. Over the years I have had
about a dozen folks send disks back
saying that they wont load nuttingstein,
only to load perfectly for me. Oie
would think that the majority of such
problems would be a faulty Diskette, but
that seems to be the least likely
problem of all. Out of several thousand
diskettes used I have had perhaps one
out of 50 that gave problems. And,
strangely, the ones that gave problems
were the most expensive diskettes. I
now buy diskettes via mail order in lots
of 50 for 59 cents each.
TYPE OF DISKETTES 40 or 80 Track:
Did you know that it makes no
difference? Just dont buy IBM "HD"
Disket tes. The "HD" diskette means that
they are made for the 1.2 or 1 .44
Megabyte format capability of the IBM
systans. These HD disks have sector
markers imbedded in the recording mediuan
at the factory. We can Format them and
they will "seem to work", but after
about a day or two the programs recorded
wont load. Always buy the el-cheapo 59
cent disks (DSOD) and you wont have
diskette problems. Chances are that if
you buy from Radio Shack they'll sell
you HD Diskettes. The clerks dont know
no difference.
The DSIX) diskette will format in in
either your 40 or 80 track drive and
work fine. LOAD or SAVE errors are
mostly caused by the disk drive itself
being out of kilter. The problem can be
several: 1. The Recording Head can be
mis-al ig^ied. 2. Cigarette smoke or dust
may have taken its toll on the drive.
3. The drive door latch may not be
engaging the drive head close enough to
the diskette. 4. The spring in the
drive head mechanism may be weak. 5.
The stepping motor of the drive may not
be stepping the right distance.
How can one be sure it is the Disk
Drive that is causing problems? Well,
we can only use our noggin! Texas talk
iS) Use Horse Sense. If one diskette
out of many fritzes then throw it away
and use another diskette. If all out of
a NEW box of diskettes fail, then try a
different brand. If you cannot load
programs sent to you, send the diskette
back and the supplier will replace it.
If the replacement disk wont load, then
it is likely that your disk drive
recording heads are not aligned
properily, or you have other drive
problems.
OLD DRIVES MAY BE SLOW: Maybe you
have one of them real ole timers? If
so, and you are having SAVE LOAD
problems, try FC«MATING with a slower
speed setting. The 01 iger DOS has a
"LET/h=" comnand to let us set a lower
speed. Both 01 iger and LKDOS defaults
to 6 ms speed of recording. And all
disk drives made after about 1978 are
high speed drives. If you have one of
these old timers, chances are 9 to 1
that you should send it to me for it to
be added to my fishing reef. If not, be
prepar€Hi to lose many of your fine
epistles as you continue to struggle
with it. Now I know that this has not
been a hi-tech analysis of disk drive
problems, but the most detailed!
technical data would not have added
practicality. We cannot do much to fix
a cranky drive, and the repair cost
equals the replacanent cost. (About
$60.00).
The AbC's of >READ DATA RESTC11E<
Here is a little programming
tutorial for the TS-2068, the Sinclair
QL, or (bit my tongue) the IBM. It
involves the use of READ DATA RESTORE.
These three commands are always used
together. You could think of them as
the Three Musketeers, Three Blind Mice,
or the Data Trio, Please refer to the
listing while reading the explanations.
The program uses the N counter to
count up from 65 to 90, which happens to
be the ASCII Codes for the upper case
alphabet. Variable x is given the
initial value of 97, which is the code
for lower case "a". From there on the
plot thickens. As given, line #20
"RESTORES line #70, which is the READ
line. RESTC«E is used to point to the
right line to READ some DATA bits. Line
#30 then READs the value of varaible x
for each count of the counter N. Line
#40 converts the numerical values of
both "N and X" into the literal
character represented by the numbers,
and then prints the two characters.
Line #50 increments variable x and gets
the next N count. Run the program for
effect.
There is another data line at line
#80. It is not used as the program
exists because of the REM at line #8.
Remove the REM at line 8 and install a
REM at line 20. Run the program again
for effect.
Note the long DATA line at line
#80, The point for illustration is that
the same effect of using a long DATA
listing can be achieved by using a
single DATA bit in a variable as is used
13
in line #70. Such a scheme requires
RESTCmE "Each TIME" the Data is to be
READ, otherwise the "END OF DATA" Report
would stop the program. Man;y^ of the
better Arcade prc^rams use a cofiputed
variable which is READ by the operating
program in similiar fashion. Question:
After changing to RESTORE line #80, Why
is the value of "x" not changed to foul
up the works at line #50? Ans: x is
indeed chang-ed at line 50, but x is READ
again before printing by line #30. Keep
on digging until you can unearth the
logic. Have fun! __BJ-
Sinple Simon Labels
10 LET a$="": LET b$="": LET c$
="": LET d$="": INPUT "line l"'a$
: BEEP 1,18: INPUT "line 2"'b$: B
EEP 1,18: INPLT "line 3"'c$: BEEP
1,18: INPUT "line 4"'d$
20 CLS : KlINT a$'b$'c$*d$: INP
UT "Correct? <1> yes <2> no";a: I
F a=l THEN GO TO 50
30 INPUT "Enter line # to Corre
ct";x: INPUT "Enter new line";m$:
LET a$=(a$ AND x<>l)+(m$ AND x=l
): LET b$=(b$ AND x<>2)+{m$ ANT> x
=2): LET c$=(c$ AND x<>3)+(iii$ AND
x=3): LET d$=(d$ AND x<>4)+(in$ A
ND x=4)
40 CLS : GO TO 20
50 CLS : INPUT "Install Labels
in Printer ENTER" ;y$
60 INPUT "Is DOS Printer Driver
READY <1> Yes <2> No";z: IF
z=2 THEN RANDOMIZE USR 100: MERG
E "Init.BG": GO SUB VAl. "1993": D
ELETE 1993,
70 CLS : INPUT "Enter Left TAB"
;tb
80 INPUT "Enter number of label
s" ;x
90 FOR n=l TO x: FOR y=l TO 4:
LPRINT TAB tb;a$'TAB tb;b$'TAB tb
;c$'TAB tb;d$: LPRINT ": NEXT n
1 4
The Merge "Init" Program
1993 B(«DER NOT PI: PAPER NOT PI:
INK VAL "7": CLS : LET pg=NOT NO
T PI: LET nn=NOT PI: PRINT AT 7,4
;"Touch:""TAB 4;"<1> For TS-2040
Printer""TAB 4;"<2> For Dot Mat
rix""TAB 4;"<3> For Daisy Wheel"
;AT 18,7; INVERSE 1; "PRINTER MUST
BE ON"; INVE21SE 0: PAUSE 0: LET
z=a»E INKEY$-VAL "48": LET pr=^z-
1: IF 2<1 m z>2 THEN GO TO VAL
"1993"
1994 IF pr=0 THEN RANDOMIZE USR
100: OPEN #7, "LP": RANDOMIZE USR
100: POKE VAL "16092", 0: GO TO VA
L "1998"
1995 CLS : RANDOMIZE USR VAL "100
": OPEN #3,"lp": PRINT AT 10,3;"E
LECT Type CPI:""TAB 3;"Il] Aerco
~ 01iger"' 'TAB 3; "[2] Tasman CPI
""TAB 3;"[3] A & J CPI": PAUSE 0
: LET a=aX)E INKEY$-VAL "49": HII
NT #0; "Printer Need Line Feed? <y
> <n>": PAUSE NOT PI: IJET w$=INKE
Y$: LET b=(10 AND w$="y" (M w$="Y
") + (NOT PI Am w$<>"y" AND w$<>"Y
"): RANDOMIZE USR 100: OPEN #4,"d
d": RANDOMIZE USR VAL "100": POKE
VAL "16096", a: RANDOMIZE USR VAL
"100": PCXOE VAL "16090", VAL "138 |
": RANDOMIZE USR VAL "100": PCKE
VAL " 16092", 0: RANDOMIZE USR VAL
"100": POKE VAL "16094", NOT PI: L
HIINT : RANDOMIZE USR 100: POKE 1
6092, b
1996 CLS : LET m=VAL "1997":: OUT
VAL "127", VAL "27": GO SUB ml aj
T VAL "127", VAL "120": GO SUB m:
OUT VAL "127", VAL "1": PRINT AT 1
0,3; "SCT PRINTER and Elect:"' TAB
3;"Il] Pica 10 Cpi""TAB 3;"[2]
Elite 12 Cpi""TAB 3;"(3] Micron
15 Cpi": PAUSE 0: LET ps=GOM: INK
EY$-VAL "48": LET lx=(VAL "80" AN
D ps=VAL "1")+(VAL "96" AND ps=VA
L "2")+(VAL "120" AND ps=VAL "3")
: LET qq=lx/VAL "2": OUT VAL "127
",VAL "27": GO SUB m: OUT VAL "12
7", (VAL "80" AND ps=l)+(VAL "77"
AND ps=2)+(VAL "103" AND ps=3): G
O SUB m: OUT VAL "127", VAL "27":
GO SUB m: aJT VAl. "127", VAL "120"
: OO SUB m: OUT VAL "127", 1: GO T
O VAL "1998"
1997 IF IN VAL "127 "OVAL "237" T
mti GO TO VAL "1997"
1998 RETURN
Mteur Prt^rmir^ Sufprt
TS-2068, Sinclair QL and Z88
Isn't that what we all are, "^ateur
Programers"? f believe so. Some could be
proffessionals, but to be so would have to junk
out their Sinclair - Tiaex and do their
prograMiing with an IM or Macintosh. Those are
the only two computers that offer a wide market
for a prograMier to sake a living. Fortunately,
we orphan coaputer users have always had the
services of Aaateur programers working to provide
new programs or up-grade modifications of older
ones. AND, that is what UPDATE MAGAZINE is all
about.
(cont )
2 RjEM "READ DATA RESTOIE"
5 LET x=97
8 REM : RESTORE 80
10 FOR n=65 TO 90
20 RESTORE 70
30 READ X
40 E^INT CHR$ n;" ";CHR$ x
50 LET x=x+l: NEXT n
70 DATA X
80 DATA 97,98,99,100,101,102,10
3,104,105,106,107,108,109,110,111
,112,113,114,115,116,117,118,119,
120,121,122
90 STC»>
This reminds me of some past experience in
managing a fleet of aircraft. Often there would
be problems of frequent failure or un-reliability
of certain systems. The "school way" of dealing
with such problems would be to give an order to
the next manager in the cowiand line, "Fix the
Problem". But that approach hardly ever works.
The best approach is to call together a group of
mechanics who know the system and ask for their
participation to solve the problem. The point is
"group participation" is a powerful force for
almost any endeavor.
Most of us are hesitant to give advice about
subjects. But, like the lowly mechanic, we each
have ideas that can be useful to others. In fact,
I've learned more about programing- from reading
inputs from other "amateur programaers". Each has
his own exclusive innovations. To mention one,
Warren Fricke's occasional articles in Update
inspired me to do more with Math and Plotting.
(Warren recently passed away). Warren always
preceed his article with a coraient, "--if you
publish this one I'll send another". His articles
were short, to the point, and useful.
Then there was Roelof Mulder who gave us an
excellent extension of the Oliger DOS. This was
the nucleus for Bob Hartung's "DOSDEX" series of
Disk Utilities (and issue disk). Then there are
Bob Mitchell and George Chambers who have produced
a whole library of LKDOS utilities and shared them
via the Toronto disk library. There are many
others who could be mentioned. Some just gave
ideas and others complete programs. I'll wrap up
this philosophical set of epistles with a call for
everyone to PARTICIPATE. Tell us "your way" of
getting the most from your computer. Send your
articles, short or long, to Update Magazine. BJ_
Put some punch in your
PRINT FACTORY® graphics!!
Collection#l Collection#2
Miscellaneous
Men/Boys
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Digitized Misc.
Animals
Funny
Sports
Transportation
Computers
Food
Holidays
Xmas
Ov«r 1 SO tar'^m & s'tnatt g^i^apHios
in, m€U>H oottmotiortf
Only $12.95 ppdL ««ch or both collcctiofis
for $1 9.95 pfMi [CtMMsk or money ord®r.]
AvdUabItt Oil tmpm or 5 1/4 DSDD LARKEN
or OLIOER disk - plMM specify.
Sand ordUtr ixn
John MoN4Mim4 1710 Pmhnmr Dr^
UurmMnkm^WT 8207Q
1 5
CUSTOM I ZEO 2-COLUM N
TASWORD PRINTOUTS
The -following revisions to the list-
ing -for two-column printouts o-f Tasword
•files will create a customized routine
to do up to 33 double-wide characters as
a centered page header -followed by a 64-
character line -for the author's name and
address (line 9712). A CHRi 136 graphic
character E as the -first character in
any line will cause that line to be in
double-wide font -for sub-titles. Elite
(12 c.p.i.) mode is assumed, with a le-ft
margin pre-set at 7, and column-width to
40 (line 9705). Header centering must be
adjusted in the Tasword -file itsel-f.
A blank line must be inserted in the
text -file ahead o-f the -first line that
prints out as the right-hand column.
This is not necessary i -f the heading is
printed -first in regular Tasword mode
and then the -first line o-f text is
selected as the starting point -for
printing -from the routine. Change lines
per page at line 9709 < + 18 -for 1/8" LF) .
Lines 9700-1 and printer codes in
lines 9704, 9712, 9730, 9745 assume Tom
Woods' ProFile printer driver has been
installed in a 121 -byte line 9999 REM
statement. H you are using an Oliger or
other printer driver, or i 1 your printer
does not use Epson codes, revise these
lines accordingly, EG: LET / p=o: POKE
23300, 60: POKE 23301,3: LPRINT CHR$ 27;
"Wl"; etc. Include the line 9700 LF
de-f i n i t i on .
Omit lines 10-70 and 60 TO line 9700
-from main Ta^ord menu \i merged with
abbreviated Tasword listing. Use Key-
words in prompts wherever possible to
conserve memory. I-f a^"c' upon exit
■from Tasword menu then the printer-set
in lines 9702-4 will return to the menu,
as will any BREAK or error during print-
out .
— Bob Hartung
28 CLEAR MAL "33088"
38 ON ERR RESET
48 INPUT 'LOAD tasfile - -f""Do LPRINT
- d ";a*
58 IF a*="-f" THEN INPUT "File name:
a*: LOAD /a^CODE
68 IF a^'d" THEN GO TO W»L ■978e«
78 GO TO VAL MB"
9788 LET LF=MAL ■6-: LET b=MAL "PEEK 236
27+PEEK 23628*256-121-: LET i=MAL MNT <
b/256)«: LET j=MAL "b-i*256"
9701 CLS : POKE UAL "26783", j: POKE VAL
"26704", i: LET o=NOT PI: LET I=SGN PI
9702 ON ERR RESET : LPRINT "1182";: INPU
T "ENTER skips printer-set ";d*: IF d*="
" THEN GO TO VAL "9705"
9783 LET d*="": INPUT "Prtr CODE -1 TO S
TOP ";b: IF bO-I THEN LET d$=d$-»^CHR$ b:
PRINT b;" ";: GO TO W»L ■9783"
9784 LPRINT d$; : INPUT "1/6 OR 1/8: " ;LF
: LPRINT ("1188" LF=MAL "8");: IF a*
="c" THEN LPRINT : GO TO VAL "22"
9785 LET LM=MAL "7": LET cols^L '48":
DIM d*(VAL "16")
9786 INPUT "1st LINE TO PRINT ■;lnl: LET
lnl=lnl-I: LET tasfile=MAL " 1 nl*64-^3328
8": LET b=I: LET ct=I
9789 ON ERR GO TO VAL "9888": LET pgline
s=W^L ■58"-frMAL •18»<LF=8)"
9718 FOR N=^tasf lie TO VAL "52488" STEP M
AL "64"
9711 LET x=MAL "S-KPEEK N=136)": LET je=
N-^cols-I-VAL "19*x": PRINT AT INT PI,o;
9712 IF ct<INT PI AND NOT Inl THEN LPRIN
T d*+<"t8E" AND ct=I);: FOR J=N-H»(ct=I)
TO N-frVAL ■33+38*<ct=I-H)": LPRINT CHR*
PEEK J;: NEXT J: LET ct=ct-H: LPRINT : N
EXT N
9738 LPRINT d^< TO LM)+<'tlBWl' AND x) ;
9735 FOR J=N TO je
9748 IF PEEK j <UAL "128" THEN PRINT CHR*
PEEK J;: LPRINT CHR* PEEK J;
9741 NEXT J
9743 LET col s2=N+pgl i nes»VAL "64"
9744 LET j8= col s+col s2-VAL "28«<PEEK co
152=136)"
9745 LPRINT <"tlBW8' AND x)->" ■4<"t0E"
AND PEEK cols2=^^L "136");
9746 PRINT AT INT <PI*PI),o;
9747 FOR j=cols2 TO j8
9749 IF PEEK j <W^L ■128" THEN PRINT CHR*
PEEK j ; : LPRINT CHR* PEEK j ;
9758 NEXT j
9751 LPRINT
9755 INPUT ": PRINT HojAT I-H,o;" BREAK
TO STOP LPRINT "jpglines;" LINE "jct
9762 IF ct=pglines THEN LET ct=r: LET N=
cols2-H: GO TO VAL ■9988"
9765 LET ct=ct-H
9778 NE>rr N
9888 PRINT FLASH 1'" STOP LPRINT ": PAUS
E VAL "188": LPRINT : GO TO UAL "28"
9988 LET b=b-H : INPUT "Insert PAGE "{(b)
;b$
9928 GO TO UAL "9778"
9999 REM Create 121-byte REM line to sto
re printer code here.
16
Mr. Frank Davis
513 E. Main St.
Peru, IN 46970
Dear Frank,
Supplying all code corrections is not possible because of attrition,
nevertheless, I am enclosing some of what I can reconstruct at this time. Some
"corrections" are unique to my system, and do not apply (like my EXROM DOS).
While I was developing corrections, it became clear that I was doing salvage
work — repairing sabotage in effect. I am sure you can see how obvious this
becomes once repairs have been started. Knowing what NOT to believe made figuring
out what to do easier.
I am only human. I don't remember what I wound up with in my core memory. It
just grew. A brief summary is some help, anions with data from my book. The
picture of EXROM code there (showing censorship), will help to explain what
happened to those routines maintaining OPEN # and structures supporting SELECT,
OPEN, & CLOSE in RAM.
The restored EXROM code is fairly simple except for SYTAX checking of passed
parameters. There is an image of the default table configuration to be copied
below SYSCON.
What I am sending you fixes almost all the damage in HOME ROM. I sent Bob
Orrfeidt my reconstruction of lower EXROM but lost my copy. It allowed RST calls
to replace more complex bank switching instructions in tape routines, saving lots
of memory space and eliminating the NMI conflict with LKDOS and others.
You will see that PASSING is restored to HOME bank where it belongs.
Corrections to initialization code in EXROM are pretty simple, though tricky
because of good camouflage and snow- job.
Corrections to memory remapping code consist mainly in removing dependence on
VIDMOD, redefining it as CONFIG. It is also necessary to account for nonstandard
UDG banks. The corresponding FIX table needs extensive updating and the DISPATCH
junqp table needs the same.
The bank switching services image in EXROM is unusable as it stands. Adequate
changes are highly difficult to explain, so some clarification is in order.
The main difficulty with bank switching is to provide a common program access
site to all banks. TIMEX use of chunk 3 or 7 condi tiionally is a clumsy, but
usable convention for simpler systems. This still leaves a problem when
transferring bytes from one bank to another. TIMEX uses the stack repeatedly to do
this, but using a block of RAM in I/O
space is roach safer and more efficient. It is also a better place to store the
image of harik switching code.
More attention to I/O space leads to a configuration which includes these
features, and at the same time makes PC compatibilty possible for clone cards.
Obviously, these are my designs which don't carry much weight. In spite of
this, there are some bank switching code corrections to account for sabotage which
should precede any consideration of changes. I have some of this not previously
published, and will send it along soon.
Except for barrier corrections, all low level code revisions are to
WRITE__BS_REG and READ_BS_REG. This is the only code which directly interfaces to
the bank switching controller. The TIMEX version never existed in workable form,
so I invented and recommend, my CCOT system in one of its three levels.
Level 1 adds memory beyond 64K contiguously.
17
Level 1 adds memory beyond 64K contiguously.
Level 2 adds memory beyond 64K in any configuration mappable in RAM.
Level 3 conforms to auto-configuration as provided in EXROM for TIMEX style
devices .
Respectfully yours,
William J. Pedersen
1120 merri field S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
MODEL l: Each BANK is 64k on 641( boundaries, ft total of
356 BANKS can be defined. Each of 8 CHUNKS can be filled
fron anij of these banks in an!i order. All 16 TS2868
address bits are required to specify a location within a
selected BANK. The planned TS2868 nethod distributed the
owner registers to each expansion bank, naking Multiple
ownership a problen solved by prograwwing convention.
There are concep.tual nrobleBs with this nethod.. but to
nost users, it is convenient to associate a ]>EUICE with a
BANK. PEMICES cannot be reassigned to other CHUNKS.
15
14
13
12
2
1
e
CURRENT (CCOT)
CHUNK
OWNER
TABLE
8 8bit Registers
NENOKV
I AaiME BANK #
I IDLE
DOCK
Representative Hemory Map
24
23
22
21
28
13
18
17
16
15
14
B
13
U
12
S
S
2
i
7
6
c
H
5
U
4
N
K
3
2
1
8
MODEL 2: 8 out of 64 "handles" can be assigned. Each
handle accesses a pointer stored in RAM. 64 pointers are
available, though only eight are current at any tiwe.
There is enough roow in RAM, and enough handles to
contain and select Multiple MOMory »aps for Multitasking,
and Multiuser network operation. This arrangeMent covers
neMory sizes up to 2M, but is obviously easily expanded.
A pointer accesses an 8K segMent on 8K boundaries.
In effect, CHUNKS are being Manipulated instead of
BANKS.
15
8 1
8
CURRENT (CCOT)
64*8 RAM
CHUNK
OWNER
TABLE
8 8bit Registers
-21
-28
-19
-18
-17
-16
-15
-14
-13
-12
2
1
8
NENOXy
ftaivE
I IDLE
2M
Handle -»[~^ir| — i
<1 «f 8) p,i„^r
^ TS2^8
^8 TO A 12
^- (8k)
, mi
Representative Memory Map
1 1
TS2068 BARRIERS J FIXES
INTERRUPTS & RST CALLS:
These events have default entry points in the code which can vary depending on the current lode of interrupts. Except
uBder unusual conditions^ it can be assuied that only lodes 1 and 2 will be used for interrupts. This leans that addresses. 0, .
8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 56 and 102 sust be lanaged in every bank, Sose banks will not use soie of the RST calls, nevertheless, it is
wise to account for future use of all these addresses. Current EXROH is very deficient in this respect.
NM F*B ARR I ERS
This is defective ROH code. It forces reinitialization (crash) unless a non-zero value is given to (NHIAOO), in which case
KHI Mill be ignored. In neither case is this the intended use.
102
103
104
107
108
109
111
112
113
114
F5
E5
2A805C
7C
85
2001
E9
El
Fl
ED45
PUSH AF
PUSH HI
LO HL,(NN)
LD A,H
OR L
JR NZ,+3
JP (HL)
POP HL
POP AF
RETN
23728 NHIAOO Get NHI handling routine address
Z if address = OOOOh
112 Skip if address 0 OOOOh
Juip to OOOOh. (Reinitialize)
Here for address 0 OOOOh (Ignore)
Return from NHI
BeloM is the intended NMI code.
102 NHI
103
104
107
108
109
lU
112
113
114
F5
E5
2A805C
7C
85
2801
E9
El
Fl
ED45
PUSH AF
PUSH HL
LO HL,(NN)
LD A.H
OR L
JR Z,+3
JP (HL)
POP HL
POP AF
RETN
23728 NHIAOO Get NMI handling routine address
Z if address = OOOOh
112 Ignore if no NHI routine. (OOOOh)
Juip to routine. (AF,HL on STACK)
Here for no routine.
Return froa NMI
Below is the intended BS NMI code in RAM. The actual code to be corrected lies in EXROM froa Nhere it is copied during
initialization. This copy in CHUNKS3 is not directly accessed by an NHI signal, siaking it necessary to include a juaip to 25351
I 102 in every bank which shadows CHUNKSO, or have a coiplete copy there. Current EXROM does not include this provision. Tape
routines start t 104, which is ONE byte too low to allow three bytes for an NMI Jump instruction. There is a way around this,
using a relative jusp to a long juap at a free location. An NMI processing routine lUst be accessible at all tises, regardless
of bank switching. A mandatory protocol lust be followed.
25351 BS NMI
25352
25353
25356
25357
25358
25360
25361
25362
25363
F5
E5
2A805C
7C
85
2801
£9
El
Fl
ED45
PUSH AF
PUSH HL
LD HL,(NN)
LO A,H
OR L
JR Z,t3
JP (HL)
POP HL
POP AF
RETN
23728 NHIAOO Get NMI handling routine address
Z if address = OOOOh
25261 Ignore if no NHI routine. (OOOOh)
Jump to routine. (AF,HL on STACK)
Here for no routine.
Return from NMI
MINOR ERROR .Wrong
ERROR message
22
1472
1474
1475 BAD INT2
1478
1479
1480
3E16
90
DA291F
3C
47
04
LD A,N
SUB 8
JP C.NN
INC A
LD B.A
INC B
No * Value should be 21
Row * Eventually gives 'Out of Screen" for row 22, but
7977 BAD INTE6ER2 * doesn't catch it here. Wrong error lessage.
23 to 1 * Passes A = 22 to 0
24 to 2, standard foraat (2 is incorrect)
Corrected code
1472
1474
1475 SAD INT2
1478
1480
3E15
90
0A2918
C603
47
LO A,N
SUB B
JP C,NN
ADD A,N
LD 8, A
Row
7977 SAO INTEGER2
3 24 to 3
24 to 3, standard foriat
* Passes A = 21 to 0
MAJOR ERROR! Clobbers screen update/edit speed
1716 yR S P
1717
1718
1720
1722
1723
1724
1728
79
3D
3E21
200E
05
4F
FDCeOiiE
2806
LD A,C
DEC A
LD A,N
JR NZ,+16
DEC 8
LD C,A
BIT i,(iyti
JR Z,+8
33
1736
23611 FLAGS:l
1736
33 to 2 Here for special graphics
32 to 1, NZ NC
-\ nnnt MAJOR ERRORS!!! *?n*n*
Space left in row --/ t Wrong order & Junp location! *
Need new row ! This error causes TVFUL? to be called
: every character. This slows down all
Output to printer? i screen postings. It is especially bad
No i for the lower screen because an EDIT line
i 9
TS2068 BARRIERS i FIXES
1730
1731
1734
1735
1736
1737
1738
1741
05
CD230A
01
79
89
DS
CC9007
01
PUSH OE
CALL m
POP OE
LD A,C
CP C
PUSH DE
CALL Z,NN
POP DE
2595 DUHPPR
Her€ for printer
Output to TS2040
C:= A:= 33
Z is forced
! aust be re-evakated whenever the cursor
! loves, characters are added, or DELETE is
1 being executed. These 'errors* seei too
! obvious to be accidental.
1936 TVFUL? Ask the boss
Corrected code.
code is six bytes
1716 yR S P
1717
1718
1720
1723
1724
1728
1729
1732
1735
The call
shorter , <
to IVFUL? now occurs only after the last character on a screen line, as it should. The resulting
s well.
79
LO A,C
33 to 2
3D
DEC A
32 to 1. 0 if past right isargii;
2016
JR NZ,i24
1742
Rooi left for char
3E21
LD A,N
33
Psst right Riercir,
4F
OS
ID C A
D£c"b '
Left aiargin
Next row
FDC8014E
BIT l,(IYti)
2361 1
FLAGS:PR
Output to printer?
PUSH DE
C423GA
CALL NZ.NN
2595
OUMPPR
Output to IS2040
Ask the boss
CD9007
01
CALL NN
POP OE
1936
TVFUL?
1736
1740
00000000
DOCO
NOPs
NOPs
Can be closed up later
SYSCON SEARCH MISDIRECTION
4719
4720
4723
4727
7E
32BF5C
FOC830A6
23
LD A,(HL)
10 (NNj,A
RES 4,(IY+48)
INC HL
23743
23658
Get 8ANKII
CURCBN
FIAGS2:RETP0S
-) SC(!i,l)
«*ERROR HERE, WRONG AOORESS«*
Repaired code .
4719 23 INC HL
4720 7E LD A,(HL)
4721 32BF5C LD (NNj.A
4724 FDC830A6 RES 4,(lYH8)
23743
23658
SCii..l;
Get BANKS
CURCBN
FLAGS2:R£TP0S
CHANS Rout i nes - See revisiorj sheets.
SYNTWO Routines. See revision sheets.
5023-5344
9300-9730
4598
FE02
CP N
465C
C9006S
CALL NN
26064
4751
CDD065
CALL NN
26064
6073
C09964
CALL NN
25753
6091
CD9964
CALL NN
25753
6134
C09964
CALL NN
25753
6158
CD9964
CALL NN
25753
6176
C09964
CALL NN
25753
6233
CD9964
CALL NN
25753
6251
C09964
CALL NN
25753
6297
CD2267
CALL NN
26402
6323
C09964
CALL HN
25753
6391
CD9964
CALL NN
25753
6409
C09964
CALL NN
25753
7395
CD9964
CALL NN
25753
7458
CD9964
CALL NN
25753
7610
CD9964
CALL NN
25753
7631
CD9964
CALL NN
25753
7655
CD9964
CALL NN
25753
7693
CD2267
CALL NN
26402
7859
CD9964
CALL m
25753
7869
C09964
CALL NN
25753
For:
CDD065
CALL NN
26064
CALL BANK
Use:
CD5625
CALL NN
9558
CALLl
For:
CD9964
CALL NN
25753
BANK ENABLE
Use:
C0E925
CALL NN
9705
B_EN5"BL
CALL BANK
CALLlANK
8ANK1NA8LE
BAHKlNABLE
BANKlNASLE
BANKlNABLE
BAHKlHABLE
BANKlNABLE
8ANK1NA8LE
XFERlYTES
8ANK"ENA8LE
BANKlNABLE
BANKlNABLE
BANKlNABLE
BANKlNABLE
BANKlNABLE
BANKlNABLE
BA.NKlNABLE
KFERlYTES
BANKlNABLE
BANKlNABLE
Is it a bus expansion channel? (Should be 1.)
(NEEDS yORK)
20
TS2068 BARRIERS & FIXES
CLOSE SEARCH TABLE (IN RAM @ ORGl)
hQQi l»Sl
Target
0 48
K
23
23
ODCLl
/ AOTTftWAI
5
•D '
r
21
23
OOCll
iUruUriHL
3v
i 7
23
OOCLl
AOTTAWAi
0 vw
1 Q
i 7
25
DDCL2
ft Art
"JA
28
00CL3
21
31
DDCL4
1 '> AA
22
34
0DCL5
1 i AA
14 VV
23
37
DDC16
16 00
24
40
DOCL?
18 00
43
DDC18
20 00
26
46
00CL9
O') AA
cl VV
PAT
Cv 1
ci VUVLa
DAD U!
rvr nL
( AOTTAWAI
OCT
Kt 1
ADTTAMAI
JP HN
AAri '5
ZO vUvLj
JP NN
31 D0CL4
JP NN
34 DDCL5
JP NN
37 D0C'l6
JP NN
40 0DC17
JP NN
43 ODCU
JP NN
46 DDC19
JP NN
OPEN SEARCH TABLE (IN RAM @ 0RG2 )
Addr Test Byte Taraet
0 48 'K' 17 23 0£V K
2 53 'S' IB 27 DEV"*S
4 50 'P' IF 31 OEV'P
6 23 35 2"
3
10
12
14
16
18
20
22 00 EOT
35
39
43
47
51
55
59
63
23
OEVJ
lEOl
LO E,N
1
25
1806
JR +42
67
27
OEVJ
1E06
10 E,N
6
29
1802
JR +38
67
31
OEVJ
lElO
LD E,N
16
33
JR +34
67
35
OEVJ
im
LD E,N
21
37
JR +30
67
39
DEVJ
lElO
LO E,K
26
41
JR +26
67
43
OEVJ
lElO
LO E,H
31
45
JR +22
67
47
OEVJ
lElO
LO E,N
36
49
JR +18
67
51
DEVJ
lElO
LD E,N
41
53
JR +14
67
55
OEVJ
lElO
LD t,H
46
57
JR +10
67
59
OEVJ
lElO
LD E.N
51
61
JR +6
67
63
OEVJ
lElO
LO E,N
56
67
JR +2
68
78
LD A,B
69
Bl
OR C
70
C270i4
JP NZ.NN
5232
73
57
LO D,A
74
El
POP HL
75
C9
RET
Resfore asb. (= 0)
DE = OFFSET+1
2 1
T0UR1N6
CHANS Revised
[SERVICE CODE 44] SYNTAX: CLOSE « N,'x'{END)
CALL NN
1n1 5ft
ftFF<^FT
J\JCt>
7$)
1 A A n
OUt /
Di
AD c
UK I
C8
RET Z
5029
K,HLL Mrs
5054
Lv-wnHA
5032
DC7C.TD
A1 AAAA
Q
11E2A3
LO OE,NN
PR
FV AF W!
LA Vl ,nL
19
ADO HI OE
J K I ,T7
5049
CH 0
5042
OlCFll
i n or KiKi
4559
5045
0°
AAA Wi Rf
fiUy nl- jui.-
5046
4E
LD C,(HL)
SQ^7
23
5048
46
in D / Ml
0 .\ ilL y
5049
CH_0
EB
LA i/L,nL
71
1 A f Wi \ r
LI/ \ nL / ,L
50^ •
23
70
5053
C9
OFT
[SERVICE CODE 45]
CLCHAN
E5
rUon rlL
OUDO
78
LO A ,8
FE80
Lr n
ico
S058
3018
TO wr ■t'x.
DUD*}
Al CA
IL ol
5060
2A4F5C
LD HL,iNKj
23631
chS"ns
5063
09
AAA U! DA
5064
23
INC HL
ouoo
23
5066
23
INC HL
OVD/
4£
LO C,(HL)
5068
EB
EX OE.HL
?U07
2hxn
LD HL,NN
xxxxx
CL FAN
C06B13
CALL NN
4971
SEARCH
5075
3802
IR C,f4
5079
CH 1
5077
El
POP HL
5078
C9
RET
Note that an esipty CLOSE table will not cause a crash,
5079
CHJ
4E
LO C,{HL)
5080
0600
LD B,N
0
5082
09
ADO HL.BC
E9
JP (HL)
CLJC
0680
SUB N
128
JVOD
47
LO 8, A
5ut)/
2A8C5C
LD HL,(NN)
23740
SYSCON
0V7U
09
ADD HL,BC
7E
LO A,(HL)
FEOO
CP N
0
C8
RET Z
5095
FE80
CP H
128
t;AQ7
C8
RET Z
(;AQf!
23
INC HL
fiAQQ
0V77
46
LO B,{HL)
OiUU
23
INC HL
5101
23
INC HL
OiUt
23
INC HL
5103
23
INC HL
■^1 A4
SE
LD E,(HL)
(ii Ai;
23
INC HL
Oivo
56
LD D,(HL)
f;i A7
62
LD H,0
5108
6B
LD L,£
<s1 AO
3AC85C
LD A,{NN)
23755
STRHNH
5112
5F
LO E,A
5113
1600
LO 0,N
0
5115
D5
PUSH DE
5116
E5
PUSH HL
5117
C5
PUSH BC
5116
010200
LD 8C.NN
2
5121
C5
PUSH BC
5122
010000
LD eC.NN
0
5125
C37824
JP HN
9336
Tt^J
BC = Offset+1 for CHANS, Offset+32768 for SYSCON
0 if CLOSED
Channel already CLOSED. No error.
Channel OPEN. Needs action.
Releases STRUNG, or restores default channel.
STRMi 4-15
Here if STRHI 0-3. SKINIT
BC = Default value
Here if STRHI! 4-15, 8C=0.
Post reset value, 0, or default
Here if channel OPEN.
Test FLAG
EXPANSION BANKS
Here for LOCAL CHANNELS
-) CH(n,l)
-) CH n,2 INPUT Routine
-) CH n,3
-) CH(n,4) DEVICE CHAR
Get DEVICE CHAR (Hight be new froi^ ar, OPEN)
CLOSE SEARCH TABLE base (in RAM with EOT)
Device char found
No CLOSE routine for device. (System error ignored)
Devices requiring DOCLs Mst appear.
Get FAN byte
-) Device Dependent CLOSE routine for device
Do it
Strip FLAG, Here for EXPANSION CHANNELS
-)5C(n.O)
Get status
If inactive
-)SC{n,6)
DEVICE CHAR
OPEN Routine Isb
ssb
CLOSE Routine Isb
isb
HL -) CLOSE Routine
PARM = 0, STRHjl
Target = CLOSE Routine
Bankjt.HS
PARHS Passed
22
TOURING
5128 OFFSET
5131
5135
5137
5139 BAD STRH2
5140
CDIEIF
32CB5C
FEIO
3802
CF
17
CALL HiS
ID (NN),A
CP N
JR
RSI 8
DC
FIX Ul
STRflNM
5141
5143
5144
5147
5148
5150
5151
5152
5153
5154
5155
5156
5158
5160
5163
5165
5168
5170
5173
5176
5177
5178
5179
5182
5183
5184
5186
5188
5190
5193
5194
5195
5196
5197
5198
5199
5201
5203
5205
5207
5209
5211
5214
5215
5216
5217
5218
5219
5222
5223
5224
5225
5227
5228
CH 2
C603
07
211051
4F
0600
09
4£
23
46
2B
C9
[SERVICE CODE 46]
OPEN
CHJ
CH 4
FE2C
2805
CD441B
ADD A,N
RLCA
10 HL.NN
LD C,A
LD B,N
ADD HL.BC
10 C,(HL)
INC HL
LD B.fHL)
DEC HL
RET
SYNTAX: OPEN II N,
CP N
JR l,rl
CALL NN
JR +13
CH 5
[SERVICE
OPCHAN
C08928
2006
CD6925
C0441B
EF
01
38
CD0814
78
81
2816
FE80
38CD
2A4F5C
09
23
23
23
7£
EE
FE48
2808
FE53
2804
FE50
2088
C06814
73
23
72
C9
CODE 47]
E5
CDAF2F
08
81
2802
8A0 I/O OEV CF
' " 12
5229 CH 6
5230
5231
5232
5234
5235
5238
5241
5243
5244
5246
5247
5248
03
C5
lA
E6DF
4F
21xxn
CD6BI3
3006
4£
0600
09
CI
E9
CALL NN
JR N2,t8
CALL NN
CALL NN
RSI 40
EXCH:
QUIT:
CALL NN
LO A,B
OR C
JR 2, +24
CP N
JR NC,-49
LD HL,(NN)
ADO HL.BC
INC HL
INC Hl
INC HL
LD A,(HL)
EX DE,HL
CP N
JR Z,tl0
CP N
JR Z,+6
CP N
JR NZ,-70
CALL NN
LD (HL),£
INC HL
LD (HL),D
RET
PUSH Hl
CALL NN
DEC BC
LD A,B
OR C
JR Z,t4
RSI 8
DC
INC BC
PUSH BC
LO A,(0E)
AND N
LO C,A
LD HL.NN
CALL NN
JR NC.tS
LD C.(HLj
LD B,N
ADD HL,BC
POP 3C
JP (HL;
7966
23755
16
5141 CH 2
8 ERfTOR
Invalid streai
3 -3 to tiS -) 0 to 18
Tiies 2
23568 STRHS
0
-> channel select data Isb
-) channel select data sisb
BC = channel select data
-) channel select data Isb
This routine gets FLAG, OFFSET frcsi the STRHS TABLE.
[,PARMLIST]<EN0)
44:,:
■' CH 3
EN(r?
CH 4
5165
6980
5176
10377 INTPT?
5176 CH 4
SKfPIT
END?
CALCTR
9577
6980
40
PARM LIST iiplied by conaa
No PARH LIST
Here if PARM LIST
Ignore SYNTAX of LIST
5128 OFFSET Channel select data in BC
5208
128
5139
CH_5 Not OPEN. OK to proceed
Is already OPEN, Needs checking.
BAD STRM2 Expansion bank
23631 CHAffS Here for LOCAL channels.
7S:K:
5211
83:S:
5211
80:P:
5139
5218
Get Current CHANS DEVICE CHAR
CHJ
CH_5
BAD STRH2 Must close open local channels first unless K,S,P.
OPCHAN K, S, i P can be overruUd locally
12207 POPSTR Get DEVICE CHAR, LEN
0 if single char
5229 CH 6
8 ERiTOR
Invalid I/O device
223:11011111:
Force lo caps
xxxxx OPCHAN FAN (In RAN)
4971 SEARCH"
5249 OPENSC Not LOCAL, try SYSCON
Here if LOCAL CHANNEL
0
23
TOURING
5249 OPENSC
C07413
CALL NN
4980
5252
303A
JR NC,+60
5312
5254
CI
POP BC
5255
08
OEC 8C
5256
78
LO A, 8
5257
81
OR C
5258
2008
JR NZ,-35
5230
5260
05
PUSH OE
5261
EB
EX OE,HL
5262
CDA225
CALL NN
9634
5265
EB
EX OE.HL
5266
46
LD B,(HL)
5267
0E88
LO C,N
136
5269
23
INC HI
5270
23
INC HI
S271
5E
LD E,(HL)
5272
INC HL
5273
56
LD 0,(HL)
5274
62
LO H,0
5275
6B
LO L,E
5276
3AC85C
LO A,(NN)
23755
5279
5F
LD [,A
5280
1600
LD 0,N
0
5282
D5
PUSH DE
5283
E5
PUSH HL
5284
C5
PUSH BC
5285
2ft655C
LD HL.(NN)
23653
5288
4E
LD C,(HL)
5289
2B
OEC HL
5290
22655C
lb 1NN),HL
23653
5293
0600
LD 8,N
G
5295
03
INC BC
5296
03
INC Bf
5297
5
PUSH BC
5298
: j'>\r
5301
C 5
FU^P 5 I
5302
r[''j6
CA.L hh
%58
5305
POP DE
5306
LD A n
5307
C660
ADD A>
128
5309
57
LO D,A
5310
El
POP HL
5311
C9
RET
5312 INSTALL
EB
EX OE,HL
5313
C0A225
9634
5316
EB
EX DE.HL
5317
21xxxx
LD HL,NN
xxxx
5318
OlFEFE
LD eC,NN
65278
5321
1802
JR -44
5276
5323-5343 21
Bytes FREE
SRCHSC Is it here?
INSTALL No. Consult EXROM.
Found it.
0 if not OPEN
BAOJ/OJEV
PASSING PARM LIST to stack.
-> 5C{n,l) Get BANKjl
-) SC(n,2) DEVICE CHAR/RAM MASK
-) SC(n,3) OPEN Routine Isb
') SC{n,4) ffisb
HL -) OPEN Routine
STRMNH
STKENO
PARM = 0, STRHi
Target = OPEN Routine
BANKI, HS
Set PARM LIST byte count
STKENO Adjust CALC stack
Add 2 for BANK! anc C
PARfl Passed
PARM Ret'd
Restore flag to DE
PASSING PARH LIST to stack.
XOPEN (EXROM)
EXROM ; CHUNK 0
Juip to EXROH OPEN routines
OPE*i SYNTAX is checked as needed. Operations depend on previous actions. Default tables Riay have been expanded to
include mu devices. Any existing device which is currently CLOSED can be OPENED. An existina LOCAL device lust «eet at least
the sase data requireients as K, S, P — that is: OUTPUT routine addr, INPUT routine addr, DEVICE CHAR. It lay also include
lapping data and floppy i5uffer(s).
OPEN stateients with PARRISTS provide or Bodify this inforination. Actually, all OPEN stateients pass the STREAMNM to
the service routine, thouph not part of the SYNTAX.
OPEN stateients «itnout PARHLISTS which find the streai already OPEN require special attention. If the streaa device
character latches that requested, nothing happens and no error need be reported. If they do not fliatch, only the default devices
K, S, & P are periitted to be overwritten.
To install a mu device requires processing a PARMLIST. An OPEN state»ent of this type is handled by routines in EXROM.
To todify an expansion bank device is dependent on the device itself. Inforaation is supplied (often incoiplete) and the
bank OPEN. routine sust handle SYNTAX.
Itjs suggested that floppy drives be given device characters which are integers; 1. 2. 3 etc. This corresponds to CHANS
infor«ation blocks iarter than the standard five bytes. Following this with the excess block size allows CHANS to be parsed and
displayed if wanted.
No new features have been added. The CLOSE & OPEN tables have been relocatred to RAM, where they can be edited and
expanded as needed. Initial values are copied froa EXROH the same as DISPATCH. They are located just under STSCON.
Replacing censored OPEN routines in EXROH can be expandeo on. EXROM has plenty of address space for DOS routines CAT.
FpRHAi, MOVE, J ERASE as originally intended. Existing DOS versions can temporarily be adapted to run in EXROH, but sticking '.
the original plan, using IBH coapatible disk organization, is preferred. This wakes adding hard disk operation siapler too.
24
CABLE COLUMN
By Bill Cable
ARCHIVE SERIES
PART 4 : CREATE, OPEN, INSERT COMMANDS
We continue our exploration of PSlON's ARCHIVE
Database System. This is an open ended series with each
column focusing on some aspect of ARCHIVE, 1 hope it
helps aspiring achivists get over those inevitable stumbling
blocks. Knowledge gained will be a springboard for using
any database on any computer. Have past Cable Columns
and your QL Manual handy for quick reference. In the last
issue we covered the QUIT, LOOK, CLOSE, DISPLAY,
FIRST, LAST, NEXT. BACK commands in some detail and
used them on the GAZET_DBF database provided with
ARCHIVE. In this issue we want to discuss the CREATE
command which allows you create your own databases and
the OPEN and INSERT commands which are used to add
new information to a database. As an example we will
create a library index database for keeping track of books.
First I want to quickly rehash what an ARCHIVE database
is. Each database is like a set of file cards that arc called
reoMrds. Each card/record has the same layout for holding
the information to be kept in the database. Specific kinds
of information are put in specific locations in the record.
These are called the fields of the record. ARCHIVE
provides us with powerful record/field oriented commands
and a flexible language for constructing more. The time
and effort saved using these coromands justifies the work
necessary to learn how to use ARCHIVE and put data in
this structured form. Don't be intimidated, the concepts
used in database work are based on common sense. You
only need to become familiar with them.
PREPARING TO CREATE A DATABASE
When we create a database with ARCHIVE it is equivalent
to giving the information necessary to create a box of
labeled index cards with the various locations on the cards
set up for the particular kinds of information we want to
keep. Wc have to provide the following information:
1. What will wc call our database (database name).
ARCHIVE database names can be up to 8 characters long,
starting with a-z^-Z then can include 0-9. A default 3
character extension of 'dbf will be given if you don't
specify another. ARCHIVE does not make the database
name part of the database so you can use the SUPERBASIC
RENAME command to change a database name.
2. How many distinct kinds of information do we
want in each record (how many fields). I can't find
documentation giving the maximum number of fields
ARCHIVE allows. I know it's more than 140. Probably the
maximum is 255. Most databases I work with have 20-40
fields. Whether to give a certain kind of information its
own field rather than combine it in a more general purpose
field depends partly on whether you will ever want to
order or do quick lookups of that information (ORDER
and LOCATE commands).
3. What do we want to call each field (field names).
Field names must start with a-z,A-Z then can also include
0-9 and The maximum length is 1 3 characters. Usually it
is best to choose a descriptive name corresponding to what
type of information the field will hold.
4. What is the type for each field (field type). In
ARCHIVE this means text type or numeric type. If the
field name ends in '$' then it is a text field otherwise it is a
floating point numeric field A text field can hold up to
255 characters of information and numeric fields hold
numbers of 1 4 digit accuracy.
5. In what order do we want the fields in the record
(field number). The order is the same as the order they are
defined when creating the database. It affects the order
fields are prompted for when using the ALTER and
INSERT commands.
This is the information we have to supply when we execute
the CREATE command. Once we create our database we
cannot change any of these field properties (database name
can change). It's like we printed our card forms and we
have to stick with them. What actually happens is that
ARCHIVE creates a database file conforming to the field
specifications we give. It is empty until we add some
information but the field structure has been permanently
defined Forgetting to put in fields that we later want is
one of the most common problems encountered with
databases. Fortunately, there are ways around this problem
They involve creating a new database with the new field
structure and copying the old database information to the
new database. Still it is best to give some thought to what
fields will be needed One nice feature of ARCHIVE is that
you don't waste much disk space if you don't put
information in fields. This means you don't pay a high
price for having lots of fields. With most database systems
when you create a database you also have to specify a
maximum length for each text field and each record has to
reserve that maximum length for each field. ARCHIVE
gives each text field the option to be 0 to 255 characters
long and only reserves the space used.
Each field should correspond to some important general
class of information pertaining to the subject area covered
by the database. A library index database would need to
have a field for book title. By having that information in
its own field you can order by it, select on it, and do fast
lookups of it Author's name would be another piece of
information you would want to put in its own field Name
is a comphcated piece of information because it is actually
made up of a last name and a first name. A large database
might have many name duplications and you have to have a
way to deal with such problems. Sometimes you have to
25
have fields for a general group of items and more than one
item might be entered at the same time. We <x>uld have a
field for main topics of a book. If a book covered more
than one topic you could enter each and separate them by
commas. With ARCHIVE you could still select particular
topics. You would not be able to sensibly order by the topic
field because it could contains multiple entries. Also you
must always be careful to be consistent in how you spell
and abreviatc your entries if you ever want to select, order,
or search them.
Let's see what we need to create our library index database.
We need a name for our database plus the following fields
would be useful:
1. Book title
2. Book author (last name,first)
3. Book publisher
4. Book isbn number (international book code)
5. Type of book(likc noveLpoetry,computing,etc)
6. Main topics of book
7. Comments about book
8. Year of book publication
9. Pages in book
So we will have these 9 fields in our library index database.
1 will use the following names for field names : title$,
authors, publishers. isbn$, type$, topicsS, comments, year,
pages. Note that all are text type (end in $) except year and
pages which are numeric type. Lets call our database
'my books'. What you should type will be underlined
CREATE COMMAND
Start ARCHIVE. The last Cable Column gives details. You
have ARCHIVE in its user friendly mode with the Help
boxes at the top of the screen and the ARCHIVE cursor '>'
at the bottom of the screen. Put a formatted microdrive in
mdv2_ or other desired device. Type the following:
crcate<ENTER> (activate command)
mdv2 mybDoks<ENTER> (database location & name)
a^thQr$<dBNTER>
p\tbfeh^r$<ENTER>
i$bP$^NTER>
type$<BNTfiR>
c<mmcm$<ENTfiR>
y^r<;ENTgR>
pages<;£NTj£R>
<gNT£R>
(first field definition)
(second field)
(ninth field)
(end create command)
We have now created our database. It is in the file
'mdv2_mybooks_dbf and that file is currently in the
OPEN state. We could insert information right now but
let's close it and reopen it below. It will have the field
structure we just defined but will have no records.
clQS<?<;BNTER>
OPEN COMMAND
In order to add new records to a database we have to access
it using the OPEN command. As mentioned previously it is
extremely important to make sure you use the CLOSE and
QUIT commands if you have opened a database. Let's open
our newly created database so we can use the INSERT
command to add new information. After we open it we will
use the DISPLAY command so we can see its fields. Type:
Qpg]p<fiNTBR;>
mdv2 mybwKs<£iNTJSR>
display<ENTeR>
INSERT COMMAND
We use this command to add new records to our database.
First we need to have it opened. When we are inserting
records the <ENTER>,<TAB>, and <SHIFT-TAB> move to
the different fields and the <F5> enters record as displayed
and <F4> exits from entering. It is important to become
comfortable with these particular key combinations because
they are the ones used in both inserting and altering
records in ARCHIVE. Also the arrow keys and <CTRL>
arrows are used in editing the text in fields. Let's insert a
book:
itisert<fiNTISR>
OL SuperBasic The Definitive Hamibook<ENT£R>
jQQe$^an<ENTfiR>
Q-07-0g47g4-3<ENTER>
<;omp^t^i^g<ENTBR;>
qi.prPgrammi)(ig.supcrba»c<£NT]BR;>
257<F5> (or 257<ENTER>)
<F4>
Now we could continue to enter more but we will stop and
you can carry on by yourself.
CLQSg<gNTER>
Next issue we will cover ALTER, DELETE and more.
Until then HAPPY ARCHIVING
A $99.00 SPECIAL FOR THOSE WHO WORK WITH BOTH QLs AND PCs
PSION'S PC-FOUR : QUILL, ABACUS, EASEL. ARCHIVE for the PC with manual and tutor disk
Plus both the QL and PC versions of my DBEasy program included free on 5.25" or 3.5"
DBEasy is my ARCHIVE front-end program for painless database work
Order from : Wood and Wind Computing. RR3 Box 92, Cornish. NH 03745 603-675-2218
26
MECHANIOAL AFFIIMITV CATALOG
The following are now available from Mechanical Affinity for
your Sinclair home or business computer. All items listed are
available in quantity. Orders may be placed by check or money
order to either Paul Holmgren , 5231 Wilton Wood Ct . , Indianapolis
In, 46254 317-291-6002 , ....or to Frank Davis, 513 East
Main St., Peru, In 46970 317-473-8031. Do not make the check
out to Mechanical Affinity. All Prices include Postage already!
BOOKS
SYNCWARE NEWS Vol. 1 $8 All volume 1 issues bound in one book
TOURING THE TS2068 ROM OPERATING SYSTEM by WIDJUP $15
QL TECHNICAL GUIDE $15
SERVICES and PARTS
QL Internal ROM board- this allows you to put your favorite
ROM version (JM, JS, JSU, MGUS, MGUK, etc.) on an eprom.
This will lower power consumption by the QL by about 20%
& drop the internal heat by close to 50 degrees fahrenheit.
There is also room on the eprom for us to include one of
the following programs if you are an owner of one of them:
ICE, QFLASH, TKII, SPEED SCREEN, TKIII. Brd & eprom $40
Board alone $15 -- Custom eprom alone $25. Let us know
which ROM version you want us to supply, or you can supply.
Speedscreen supplied on your ROM or for ROMport $25. For ROMport
you need to have CARE eprom brd or similar plug in brd.
Internal battery backed clock for QL, uses lithium battery, so
should be good for far longer than ordinary batteries. This
plugs in where the 8032 goes, and the 8032 is then
installed in it. $20 for brd & battery, or $26 installed.
Replacement or backup power supply for the QL, no serious user
should be without one (personal opinion). $15
QL case, contains keys and bare motherboard, no microdrives. Can
be used to replace bad case, keytops, or bad motherboard,
or even as a start on building your own spare QL. $20
Keytops for QL $7.50 Use to replace broken or missing keys, or
the whole set, if need, be. These are originals.
Micro Drive Cartridges $5 each, till supply improves for ones
with the tab. $4.00 without the tab, each.
MDV labels, 3 sheets for $1.25. For the QL.
QL membranes, from Paul for $15.
TS2068 dock eprom boards, bare $10.00. These can be used for a
TS2068 program on an eprom or can be configured to use for
Non-Volatile memory boards (32K to 128K) , or as RAM Disk.
Tom Bent*s improved 8K TSIOOO ROM on eprom. $10.00 Requires at
least 16K RAM expansion to operate, but bug corrected. $12 if we
supply the special socket.
Disk Drives, half height 3 1/2 and 5 1/4. Order from Paul at $55
@ for 3 1/2 or 5 1/4, or $165 for dual 3 l/2*s w/ case & power.
Spectrum B ROMs, on eprom, bug corrected w/ additional characters
set on the eprom for $10.
We can supply for those who are owners of the tape programs the
following programs on eprom: ZXLR8 for the TSIOOO, PROFILE for
TS2068, MSCRIPT, HOT-Z ARCS for TS2068 , MTERM II for the TS2068
and DELPHI UTILITIES for the TSIOOO. $10 for the eprom.
HOW TO r>0 DO IN TK2
Bob Hartung, 2416 N. County Line Rd. E. » Huntertown, IN 46748
While the TOOLKIT II (TK2) manual is not
exactly a shining example of casual
reading material, it does give spring-
boards for ideas on using this powerful
extension to QL SuperBasic commands. If
you have not already done so, put the
scotia-sized manual through an enlarging
copier. It's amazing how much clearer
things become when you can read them!
Within the limitations described in
section 6.1 of the TK2 manual, the DO
function can be used as a powerful
user-defined progiamraing extension. The
DO file is simply a sequence of com-
mands or a routine that is stored on
mdv, disk, or RAMdisk media without
numbered program lines. If it is stored
in the default drive, by just keying in
<D0 filename> the command-sequence or
routine is activated or "RUN". It does
not alter any listed program that is
already in memory.
With TK2 activated, for direct KBD entry
of a DO file to a disk in drive 1, the
following method may be used for short
command-sequences :
OPEN_NEW #5,flp1_filename
PRINT #5, 'INPUT "Enter test text ";a$:PR
INT a$'
CLOSE #5
Note that the entire PRINT statement
must be bracketed by either quotes or
apostrophes and as in ALTKEY definition,
if any bracketing within the statement
uses quotes, then outer apostrophes must
be used, or vice versa. Note, too, that
a simple FOR loop may be used within a
one line multi-statement but not the END
FOR type or a REPeat loop. Also, if a DO
routine is halted during processing, a
NEW may be required before resuming.
Obviously, for longer command-sequences
or routines direct entry from the KBD is
not practical. Any line-editor such as
THE EDITOR or my INFOwriter that does
not insert extra control characters may
be used to form and store the DO file.
Listing 2 is a routine that may be used
to create the required ASCII files. With
this, one might do several sets of
ALTKEY definitions, for example, that
would emulate on the QL the single-
stroke keyword entry system or the VAL
command many of us wish Uncle Olive had
retained. Following the ALTKEY defini-
tion in listing 1 is a useful printer-
command routine that shows the use of a
simple FOR loop in a DO line;
LISTING 1
ALTKEY 'p' , 'PRINT #0;'"
PRINT #0; "Enter command-codes one at a t
ime"\"EG: 27 52 -1 (-1 to exit)"
FOR n=1 TO 1000:INPUT #0;cc;" ";;IF cc=-
1 THEN PRINT #0;"END":n=1001 lELSE OPEN #
7,ser1:PRINT #7 ,CHR$(cc) ; : CLOSE #7
LISTING 2
100 TK2_EXT
110 FLP__USE flp: REMark Omit & change li
nes 160 & 330 for mdv.
120 CLS: CLS #0
130 REMark DO file output routine
140 INPUT "DO file title: ";filetitle$
150 INPUT "Save " ; (f iletitle$) ; " to driv
e #";dr$
160 filetitle$="flp" & dr$ & "_" & filet
itle$
170 INPUT "Max. no. command-lines: ";cml
180 DIM com$(cml,136)
190 PRINT "Enter line (limit 136 chrs.)"
\"@ to end input & save"\\
200 FOR n = 0 TO cml
210 INPUT (n+1);" ";com$(n)
220 IF com$(n,1)="@" THEN LET cnt=n-1; G
0 TO 240
230 END FOR n
240 OPEN_NEW #5,f iletitle$
250 FOR n=0 TO cnt
260 PRINT #5,com$(n)
270 END FOR n
280 CLOSE
290 CLS
300 INPUT "Repeat y/n? ";y$
310 IF y$=="y" THEN GO TO 120
320 STOP
330 SAVE flp1_D0file„DEF
2g
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Available as UPDATE Issue Disk, see QL ISSUE DISKS
QLUSTer / QL_Utlllties
by Al Feng
QLUSTer is a utility program which has been designed to provide
easier file laanagement than found in other front-end utility
programs. QLUSTer works well within the QRAM environment and may
be may be satisfactorily run as a TASK within TASKMASTER (some
limitations). QLUSTer is TURBO-compi led and MINERVA compatible.
QLUSTer was designed to provide fast, selective file management.
To that end, any valid source or destination medium may be readily
accessed or designated. Up to eight screen pages of 76 files each
<4 columns x 19 rows) are accessible.
The five, primary functions are "COPY" (source to destination),
"de-FILE" (DELETE file), 'Hard-COPY' (the "missing*' LLIST command),
"re-FORMAT" (FORMAT a medium), and 'pre-VIEV (convenient for
confirming the contents of a file prior to COPYing, de-FILing, or
hard-COPYing) . The implementation of a utility on a file usually
involves simply pressing the {bracketed) key which precedes a
particular filename. In addition, a convenient clock setting
routine using the "up" and "down" cursor keys (and of course,
"ENTER") is included.
QLUSTer also implements five SuperTOOLKIT keywords CVCOPY, VDELete,
SPooL, RENAME, VSTATusI . QLUSTer requires SuperTOOLKIT coding
installed via a TK2_EXT (FLP_EXT, okay) call, external ROM, or RAM
code, prior to LOADing.
A SAMPLE RUN-THROUGH
After LOADing, a "white screen" with the version number and other
miscellaneous information will flash by. You will then see another
"white screen" with a bar similar to what is illustrated (below).
"CHANGE_DEVICE' will be highlighted, and a message prompting you to
press the "Space Bar' will be near the bottom of the screen.
TAB > HELP EXIT AUTO EXEC UTILITIES CHANGE_DEVICE CLOCK < shft TAB
You can navigate to almost any function within the program from
this screen by "TABbing" along the command bar to the appropriate
function name, and then pressing the "Space Bar". A "shift TAB'
key combination will move the highlighted bar to the left.
When first LOADed, the program's default medium is a null "xxx' .
This must be "changed" to a valid storage n^dium. Pressing the
'Space Bar' will open the 'CHANGE_DEVICE' window.
50
After pressing an appropriate letter (e.g., 'f'/'F" for 'flpl_'),
the highlighted bar will move to ' AUTO_EXEC'' .
How, pressing the 'Space Bar" will reveal a screen similar to the
following illustration (of course, the filenames on the screen will
correspo^d to the disk you currently have in the selected drive).
[Fl] COPY CF23 de-FILE [F3] Hard-COPY CF4] re-FORMat CF5J pre- VIEW
(esc) EXIT Tue. Mar 21» 1989 09:55:21 PM page 1 0+ files
EXEC_V f lpl_diskname 491.5 Kilobytes 290/1440 sectors
{1>
quill
<2>
archive
{3>
abacus
{4>
easel
<5>
backup
<6>
convert
<7>
disced
<8>
filed
<9 }
editor
i ', )
Parser Task
■£ ' )
r^r^H d rid T-i T»c;lr
oocievjeri xaoxx
■( < )
<=>
quil^HOB
<> >
arCHV_HOB
<?>
qlss_HOB
{©>
graf HOB
<A>
boot
<B}
pr inter__dat
icy
Gprint_prt
<D>
DRIVER DAT
<E>
zip_code
<F>
turbo_code
{G>
ram_code
{H>
QLUSTer
{I>
{J>
<K>
<L}
<M}
<Er>
<0>
{P>
<Q>
<R>
isy
<T>
<U>
<V}
<w>
<X>
<Y>
izy
<[>
{\>
a >
< )
>
{a>
<b>
<c>
<e}
<f >
<s>
<h}
{i>
<J>
{k>
{1}
{m>
<n>
<o>
<P>
<q>
{r>
<s}
{t>
<u>
<v>
{w>
<x>
<y>
<z>
<<>
<l }
<~
I raml__
flp2__ ! ->
The first of two, obvious aspects about the program becomes clear
as you scan the screen; that is, the filenames are NOT presented in
an alphabetical order. With the exception of the replacement of
DELETEd files, the relative chronology of the files on the disk
will be readily apparent.
Second, the sheer number of filenames may at first be overwhelming.
While 76 filenames may initially seem like a lot to look over, you
will probably find the broad perspective of a disks content© more
satisfactory than a small bunker window which shows less than a
dozen filenames at a time.
The "absolute" number of f i les on a disk are not indicated. Only
the number of f i les NOT visible on the current screen. If you have
more than 76 f i les on the disk, the number is indicated after the
current page number and followed by "+ files" . A number greater
than zero indicates that another page may be accessed.
3 1
Pressing ''F5'^ reveals a similar screen format.
I £F13 COPY CF23 de-FILE CF33 Hard-COPY CF43 re-FORMat { > pre-VIEV !
The line above the menu window will Indicate which utility you are
accessing with an empty '< > " rather than "CFS]', and the name
highlighted within a colored block. Aas you move to other the
utilities, the block and empty '< > " will change accordingly.
Pressing the key indicated within any of the <bracketed> prefixes
preceding a filename activates the function upon the file. If you
choose the bracketed character for the BOOT, you should see a
LISTing of the BOOT program. If you 'view" a machine coded
program, you will see spaces filled with mostly unintelligible
'non- ASCII' characters. A Quill_doc will be unformatted, with the
text strung together. Quill_lis files will be ASCII files roughly
formatted to show the layout.
The "Pre-VIEW" function allows you to view the contents of a file
without actually having to LOAD It and then LIST It to the screen.
Often times you do not need to "look at" an entire file. If this
is the case, then press the ''<esc)ape' key to pause or abort the
pre-VIEV. Of course, you may use the QL's "standard" 'CTRL F5' key
combination to pause.
Pressing the '/' key will change the highlighted word ("pre-VIEV")
in the top line to VSTATus.
CF13 COPY CF23 de-FILE CF33 Hard-COPY CF43 re-FORMat < > VSTATus
Accessing the VSTATus utility allows you to determine the file size
(bytes) » and the date the program was saved.
If you press again, you will see that it has changed back to
pre-VIEV.
Pressing 'Fl' will put you into the COPY utility. You will see a
flashing cursor after the word "to" near the top of the main
window. You must respond to this by either pressing <ENTER>; or,
'm','r','f' and then <ENTER>; or, "o" <ENTER> followed by the drive
type and <ENTER> and the number and <EHTER>, again. This becomes
the temporary default.
Pressing 'F3' again reveal a now familiar screen format.
CF13 COPY CF23 de-FILE i > serl COPY CF43 re-FORMat CF53 pre-VIEV
32
To change the SERial connection being used by your printer, press
the double quote key (shift You will see the top line will now
indicate the change. You can always toggle back by pressing the
double quote key (combination) again.
CF13 COPY CF23 de-FILE < > ser2 COPY CF4] re-FORMat tF5] pre-VIEV
You will probably note that there is a "blank space" between the
'(esc) EXIT" prompt and the clock. This is occupied by a "CAPS ON"
message when appropriate.
The same screen format is used for all standard utilities. The
exeception is VCOPY and VDELete which allow for somewhat less
discriminate file handling.
Tq access the SuperTOOLKIT's VCOPY facility, press the "toggle" key
after you are in the COPY utility and after you have indicated the
destination. Upon entering this portion of the program, you will
see that you may choose;
_Cd3oc _Ca3ba _dCb3f
__Cg3rf __Co3 ther/serial
VCOPY flpl_« PLATYPUS^C extension type] []<<< . . .
Or, press 'ENTER', if you wish to execute a indiscriminate VCOPY
from the the first file onwards.
If you choose 'd', the VCOPY will be all files having the '_doc'
extension; 'a' will be all the files having the '^aba" extension;
and, so on.
If you choose 'o', you can either press 'ENTER' and access all the
files; or, you may either choose another extension (e.g., 'bin').
Although the second prompt asks for the '_Cextension name 3 ' you may
INPUT the beginning portion of any filename 'string' (partial or
whole) which follows an underscore/' _' ; thus, if you INPUT either
"QLU" or "QLUSTer" (or, some other portion of the name), you should
get both 'QLUSTer' and 'QLUSTer__doc' if they are both on the disk;
and, any files which begin with "QLU" (if that was the partial
'string' ) .
The process is similar for VDELete.
QUIT a utility by either selecting another utility via the function
keys, or by using the '(esc)' key to access the "opening page" to
access the ' AUTO_EXECute page'.
After you QUIT an BXECutable program, you will be RETurned to
QLUSTer's ' (esc) '/"QUIT" page. Proceed.
To set the time, first access the opening screen. Then 'TAB' to
the 'CLOCK'. If the time on the QL's clock is incorrect, you may
RESET the clock to "day one"; change to current time, or ignore.
33
To reset tlie tine to "Sun. Jan 1, 1961 00:00:00' simply use a
'shift ENTER' key combination. To access the time setting routine,
press the 'Space Bar'; then, simply use the 'up' or 'dovm' cursor
key<s) to adjust the numerical value, and then press 'ENTER' to let
your QL know that you wish to proceed. Alternatively, you may
'TAB'/'shift TAB' to another choice.
FILE. D I Rectory
The 'FILE. DIRectory' is an active file. The medium being accessed
by the program must NOT be WRITE PROTECTED. If you "pre- VIEW" the
'FILE. DIRectory' , you will see that it is a list of all of the
files on the disk.
FILENAME Length
Filenames longer than 19 characters are NOT recognized by the
program. While more explicit (i.e., longer) names are nice, the
"real" world only allows 12 character filenames, so longer
filenames is a bad habit to get into. The suggested maximum length
is still only 14 characters.
CHANGE_DEVICE <ConTRoL><esc)
The 'right cursor' and 'left cursor' keys are used to move from one
drive to another of a similar medium.
To access 'device3_' from 'device2_' via the cursor keys you must
use a 'shift right cursor' key combination. This prevents unwanted
access of a potentially non-existent device.
If you wish to access a device other than 'f lpl_''/''mdvl_''/'raml_' ,
then press 'o'/'O'. Accessing a device which is not on your system
will cause the QL to either crash <if there is no SuperTOOLKIT) , or
to set up a file which reads " ram3_F I LE. DIRectory" on the disk in
'flpl_' <if, for example, you requested "ram3_").
Great effort has been taken to reduce the likelihood of "crashing"
the program. Nonetheless, it can happen by attempting to duplicate
a filename of an existing file on the same medium when RENAMing, or
by COPYing to a non-existent medium.
Send comments, questions, or queries to:
Al Feng
15 Wake Robin Court
Woodrldge, IL 60517
U.S.A.
<708) 971-0495
34
EL I AD " S WANDER I NGS
by E.P. VANNUM
Here are some recent requests made to UPDATE for assistance in
either buying, selling, or an appeal for assistance in the area of
Sinclair or Cambridge computers. In the last issue all such requests
were answered by other helpful readers, so I hope this tradition
continues. This is users helping users. Ve accept " for sell" from
subscribers, for free. For non-subscribers, we will take it under
advisement on a case by case judgement.
(1) I am very interested in hardware projects, and would like to
see articles on, or talk to someone interested in (a> high density disk
interface for the QL, (b) converting cheap Apple Simms for use as QL
n^mory expansion, <c) building the QL Expansion box from the Technical
Guide or a review of the Rebel version, <d) build a card to drive an
IBM PC backplane to allow use of higher quality displays, disks, etc. ,
Ce> article on which QUANTA programs work on each version of the QL,
Contact: Don Valterman, P.O. Box 176, Troy, MI 48099-0176.
(2> In the last issue I asked for a fix to connect my ZX-81 to a
monitor, and many good people responded. Now I have another query. Km
using a Z-SI/0 I/F card with the TS2068 together with SPECTERM-64 V4 . 1 .
The I/F card is the 2050 version. Vith these items I can transmit at
300/1200 bps very well. My modem is the 1200 he Avatex. The question
is, how can the Z-SI/0 be used to transmit at 19200 as it is claimed to
be able to? If anyone has done this, or knows how to do this, I would
appreciate your help. Armand Drucker, 194-02A 67th Ave. , Flushing, NY
11365.
(3) I have a copy of Vordmaster and Typeliner and am having a
problem with it. I have auto linefeed on my printer OFF, I loaded
Icustom and reset linefeed from 10 to 0, but still I get double line
spacing. I'm using an Aerco interface and verified with the appropriate
PEEK that it is in use. Help! Thomas E. Bair, 316 Atlas, K.I. Sawyer
AFB, Mich. 49843.
<4) I need help in setting up a Printer for graphics. The printer
is an Okimate 20, which does not have a manual. I have both the
Commodore and IBM plug in cartridges for it. Without a manual, it is
"Hunt and try forever", I want to get the codes I need to enter to get
it to work with Print Factory and Pixel Print. Also has anyone ever
tried to set these programs up for the Olivetti InkJet printer? Both
printers still have many useful years left in them if I can get them
to handle DTP. Send any helpful information you may have to me at :
Eliad P. Wannum, c/o UPDATE COMPUTER SYSTEMS, P.O. BOX 1095, PERU, IN
46970. Your help will be appreciated.
(5) Mechanical Affinity is looking for QL software to market, be
it from anywhere on the face of the planet <off planet will be
considered). We are flexible on the terms of royalty, so present your
software and what you are looking for and we can negotiate from there.
We can also dispose of most Sinclair hardware for a fee. Contact us and
let us know what you have. Phone Paul at 317-291-6002 or Frank at
317-473-8031. Or wi'lte to Mechanical Affinity, 513 East Main St., Peru,
IN 46970. Please do not ship till we have been contacted, unless it is
a 'donation". Our goal is to extend the usefull life of Sinclair and
Cambridge computers.
35
re :Update
1150 Windermere Dr.
Pgh, Pa 15218-1144
This letter and its in-formation is "inspired^ by a comment in
your "Le-ft Handed Ways o-f Working a Printer", page 20 of the
October 1989 issue o-f Update Magazine.
My computer set-up consists o4 two computers and three
printers. The i r printers are tied toge ther WITHOUT expensive
or manually switched "A/B" switches, yet the correct printer
■functions every time.
The actual arrangement o-f these devices is shown in the
enclosed sketch.
Spec i -f i cal 1 y , two serial printers are both connected to my
QL's Serial 1 CSERl] port. The two printers are electrically
wired in parallel, the printer turned "on" is the one that
prints.
This simple scheme works because all the electrical signals
from an "off" printer are electrically "high" or in plain
jargon, just not there. When a printer is turned "on" and
"ready" it then sends an electrically "low" signal to the
computer, allowing the computer to transfer data to the
printer. Turning the printer "off", or "off-line", or "out of
paper" transfers this signal from electrically "low" to
"high", stopping the computer's data transfer to the printer.
Suiwning up this arrengement, the QL will send printer data
through SERl to the^printer ^turned "on"; ?il K wi th out an
expensive switch or the need to manuafiy select the correct
printer.
I also have one parallel printer that is similarly wired.
This printer is wired electrically in parallel with my QL's
special parallel port and to my second computer's parallel
port. The second computer is my trusty and well equip ted
2X-81. The 2X-81's parallel port is a Memotech CIF. I only
use and turn "on" one computer at a time, the QL or ZX. The
COTiputer "on" then prints to the common parallel printer.
Operation is electrically similar to my serial printers. The
Parallel interface from the "off" computer is electrically
"high" and therefore funtionally non-ex I stant ,
The advantages of this simpler approach is the elimination of
expensive "A/B" switches plus the need to consciously select
the correct switch setting.
Regards ,
Mort Binstock
i6
Connector
Ed 6rey Enterprises
P.O. Box #2186
Inglewood^ CA 90308
Call The Grey flatter BBS & RCP/H (23. 3-97 1-6260)
:-.pECTERM-64 ( 1 y - 4 . 1 ) on t ape ^ 1 2 -50 4- $2 . 50 S^H
= hFCTERM"-6^ ( ;r ^ i , tape w ,S12 «50 + *2„S0 P.m
PECTERM~f4 I ^1. AF.RCO, JLO , Larken 12 .50 + *3,0^i SX-H
HAX-COM TfcMi./Ui- -U (LKDOS v 3) ........ 325 .00 + *3.0i^ S&H
PIX-FX tscr^ei't* n.an xpulator > on tape » , , „$1S .00 + ^2«S0 SMi
Loader V cMterm 2 hnhanceri . ^12,S€* + ^2.50 SiAH
PC-Draw ever 3.0; on tap©.,,,,. •^Ig^SO t $J^.J^.„3&H..,.
C0L0R26ReY (.convert color to greyscale) **l2»Se ^2*50 Sm
i^L Used/Testfcfd w/ Cent I/F, calS»l^s, SW,,,*ltS.9S + Sm
1520 Priht«r/PIotter Tested, k/F, all SW,Mis.00 t *7,.S0 Sm
T/S2068 Used /T.=-s ted, CPU/Kyfod on ly .$60 ,00 ^5,00 sm
1 / S2M68 Test w/ C HU , Hanua 1 , PS , Cab 1 es . . 00 4- m .50 Sa<H
T / S 1 50ti res .1 w / C F u , hanua 1 , PS , C 1 es . . $40 . 00 + $6 , S0 :p&H
T -jiHH^ TFsteU w^'F'). Manual, Pb , C ables . „«'25 ,00 ^- $5.00 :~;^<H
r^- t-^bci M_idi.rM Tt::;-tt.i w/ PS, Sp^^c term-64 „ . .$50 .00 + $S„00 S5<H
1 /S2040 Printer w/ 1 roll paper « „..$30.00 $5.00 S&H
1/S1016 IfA I -.'.iparl- 1&12»60 + $3.50 sm
-lRAM {j)n f^.u T/S1000, 15005 ...^35.00 + -$3.5.0. :S^H
A ^ r Micridi^v^- lested f. for 2068) „.,.„. .$50 ,00 -J- $5.00 S3<H
0^ fc^tic '•"fci .p'ier Tested w/ PS .$10 .00 + $3.50 SZiH
Oh-'. -1 . t'xf- paddle), w/T'05t5 2< doc .$20 .00 + $3.50 S<?<H
1 =^r?t- -rwt. "f'F'ly Only f. Used/T est ed ^ . , „ $1 2 . 50 + $3.50 S?mH
1 ^~ ' r,r,„ ~i~}t>~ Monitor (12", grer^n »».$30,00 + $7.50 S^ih
J : >ii at... .iii„«nitor and 2 disk dr x ves . .$16 . 00 + $7.50 S^&i
HOI E: Ail 1 / b h a r dwa r e is sub .3 e c t to a v-t* 1 1 ab i 1 i ty .
3 7
The Sinclair Desktop
Publishing Jouraal
Wekxffne to the first issue of the StocJair Desktop Publishing Journal for 1991!
We here at the SDPJ hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday and we are
also looking forward to a great yaar for Sinclair Deektop Pufattahere with more
reviews, more in depth DP package uses and plenty of news on new products
and services!
We have a big yaar ahead of us, with more and more Sinclair uaers becoming
intaresfced in desktop pubUahing. so I wouki like to go over aome SDPJ
publishing points:
The SDPJ is Edited hy myself. Mike FelerskL It is craated using the
Word-Master. Print Factory and Pixel Print Plus dssktop publishing programs
for the TS2068/Spectrum computer& The SDPJ covers desktop publtehing for
TSKDa TS2Q68^ Spectrum. QL and 2BB computers. Since the editor does not
own a QL cr Z88, the SDPJ invites any freelance wriba^ who wish to submit
articles regarding DP programs or utilities for these systems to send them to
the address bekiw. They must be in 8 1/2" x 11" format (aUowing 3/4" left
margin for three hole punch).
Artkdes may also be submitbed as fdlowsE In Tasmrd n, spectral Writer.
MSCRIPT or Word-Master format They may be supplied on T CSSDD) or 3
1/Z (SS. DS, DSDD; 40 or 80 track) disfcetfce& Articles may also be sent on
In This Issue:
Word-Master^ Typeliner.
Stqinr Font Package Review,
Romantk: Robot's VkkoFace.
Oxe an article has bssn published, it becomes the property of the Sinclair
Desktop Publishing Journal and Update Computer Systems M^azine. Artkles
may be on any topic releate to deaktop publishing, including Programs.
graphk:s, fonts, word processing, trans^ utilities, printer drivers^ printers and
various interfaces for any of the above mentkned computera
If you have any queatkns or wish the return of any materials submitted to
the SDPJ. make sure to enctoee a Self Addresssd Stampsd Envefepe (remember,
the SDPJ is not a profit making vsnture).
Therefore, for all inquiries and submisskins, write toe
Compiled by the SDPJ Staff
This issue we are going to k»k at three of the
most noted font packages available for the
TS2068 and Spectrum computers on this side
of the Atlantk: Ocean. The packages are: Jack
Dohan/s Font Manager. Byte Power's First
Class Fonte n and Bill Farrebee^ Font Package&
Each package has been reviewed baaed on font
editor ease of use, number of fonte and knk of
fonts. Each package provides fonts in the 8 x
8 pdxd (or point) font size, which is the only
size reviewed (an article discussing larger point
fonte will be covered in the Spring or Summer
*91 issue of SDPJ).
So now turn to Page Two for a review of each
of the SDPJ^ top three font packages for 199L-
By Mike Felerski
When it comes to the traditkn of simple and
straight forward hardware and software
interfaces from Romantic Robot Ltd of Great
Britian. VkieoPace is no excaptkni Vkieoface
is a hardware interface and software packa^
for the TS2066 (see note at end of article) and
Sinclair Spectrum whkrh aUows the user to
digitize video images from any composite vkieo
(output) signaL
Composite vUko (output) signals can be found
on the back of VCRs, LaserDisc players, aome
television receivers and video Camcorders
(aon» Camcorders may require an interface).
This is also the same signal which is output
from your TS2068 "monitor" and Spectrum
RGB port The output jack is usually an RCA
type connector.
5d
Sindair Desktop Pubiiahing Journal
Winter 1991 Page 2
Byte Powers first Cktss Fonts D
Coeb 122.95 for Editor, Fonts & Utilities
Available From:
Jack Dohan/s Font Manager
Cost: «20 for Manager. Editor & Fonts.
Available From:
Byte Pofwer Magazine
1748 Meadovrview Avenue
Pfckering. ON UV 3GB Canada
Jack Dohany
390 Rutherford
RsdwQod aty, CA 94QS1
First Oass Fonts D la a font and utilities ptck^ whkh
follows the Byte Pamet atandard of Towerful yet Sbnpie'
software which became so popular in BP^ Print Factory
avies of Dadctop Pubiiahing prograixn; Bare in mind ttwt
First Oaaa Fonts D arrived on the scene first
First Class Mts n
The program Fonts 0
includes a <Po4nt and
CUck> font Dafiner and
CTS2040 and compatible
ONLY) word processor.
The program alao holds 28
fonts in its library for
LOADing, SAVing and
editing (aka font Defining).
The most notable feature
lacking is the abiUty to
modify the program for
disk lAX There is no BASK: available to modify as there is
in the Print Factory programs. So all LOAOing and SAVii«
is via cassette.
The First Oass Fonts D package also includes four utility
pragramse 64 Column Print, Double Print, Real Double Print,
and Okie English. All of theae are acreen utiUtie& 64
Column print is for printing 64 columns of text (1/2 wUe
characters) on screen similar to Zebra Systems' 0864 or
Tasman Software's Taswkle,
Double Print is a utility
used to print any regular
6tii8 pixel character font
as a 16 pixel or point
high chanacter. Real
Double is a utility which
prints TRUE 16 point
high characters to
Okie English aUows the
user to create SCREEN$8
consistii^ of 24x24 pixel
"XXde EngUah" characters
(Cape ONLY). Each of
the utilities is
aemi-rekicatable and can
programs.
sdpj rates
Font pachages
Nuibcr or fonts in picU9e:|
Includes font editor: ■ Yes
SI
8Uil BASIC
Separate ue
Hont Suppor
rsions
ted
versions: |TS2t68
1 Spcctrui
Ease of Use:
Users Hanual;
be used within the liser's own
Finally, there is a DEMO program to sham off and explain
each of the utilities. First Oass Fonts II includes a four page
users manual
Mts Fm Jict Mm'^
Fkt NMDtr
Like many of his other eoftware products, Jack Dohany's
Tont Manager" is a very inter-active program. The top
third of the screen displays the current font, the center third
displays the buffer font, and the bottom third contains the
menu command choices.
In additkxi to
displaying font
informatkxv Font
Manager also
displays the UDGs
[User Defined
G^phics) which
tag" akng with a
font in the font
Ubrary. It is
important to note
here that Font
Manager is the
only font
editor/manager
program whk:h directly supports UDGs. Font Manago* can
hoU a font library of up to 20 fonts and a buffer font in
memory at one time.
Font libraries, UDGs and indivkiua] fonts may be SAVEd
and LOADed. There is alao a command to save a [backup)
copy of the program itaelf . Both cassette and popular North
American disk interfaces are supported.
Font Manager includes a Font Editor which uses arrow keys
or a joystk:k to manipulate a cursor for TixeT toggling.
There is also a built-in
fullaize printer driver
and teat routine for
producing hard copy
of fonta
fiRd thcst sptcial rants:
Hi 1101 Tbtrt is tlso a Itoth
Scfift mi Crtti Alphabtt
^wU^ Pont and soat UMSs.
sdpj rates
font paciHges
Huabcf of fonts in paclia9e:W1
Includes font editor: | ^
0 I
DiSK I/O: lUia BRSIC
separate uersions
None Supported
Uersions: |TS2«68
0 Spectrui
Ease of use:
Users Hanual:
A tJ page users manual
•ooompaniea the Font
Manager program.
Except for the TesT
routine, and the printer
driver, the manual is
likely to be misplaced
due to the Uaer
Friendly" nature of the
program itself. Font Manager is very fiexahle and does
everything needed to mara^ edit, an view fonta
See page three for the review of Bill Ferrebee's
Font Editor and Font Packages..
3 V
Stndair Dastop Pidtohli^ Journal
Wintw199! P^3
Coeb Varies deponding on package
($9195 ts $19195)
Available Frcm:
14ountaineer Software
749 HiQ Street Na 9
Parkereburg. WV 2SI)4
BMG EntaTdaes
14191/2 7th Street
Oregon Qty, OR 97045
(503) 655-7484
The Mountaineer Software fonts are
the same fonts originally eold for
Pixel Print ueer& At that time each
pedcage of fonts was aoU indivklualy.
Now all three pakages including the
Bill RrrelK's
FMt PicUitbl
to create dtaractera, but it ie aleo need
to make aelectkms from TuU-Down"
menue at the top of the acreen. Witii
the 16 point font editor package comes
twelve 16 point fonts. There are also
two MEX3A font padcagn avaitabte (both
the 16 point fonts, editor and MEXSAfonts
will be diecuaeed in a future iasue of the
SDPJ).
Font DeeignerAianagBr ie avattaUe in
one eet
Several of the fonts are inqirseaive.
The Font Da^yig/Man^Br ain^
and atraight forward, it ie BASIC
modifiabie for disk lA «nd it gets the
Job dons. But like Jack Dohany^ Font
Manager, it lacks the flair of Byte
Powers Font Definer.
A separate package available is a 16
point font editor program. Here the
joystick not only eets and reeets pix^
Nuibcr or fonts in p«cU9e:Q| ^
Includts font editor: | Yts >
OHO I
DiSt 1/0: lUil BR9ZC
n5cpaf«te uersions
I None supported
versions: |T6SM8
D 5ptctrui
Ease of use:
Users Minuil:
(From front page)
Package Overview
The Rotnantk: Rdjot intarfscs piugs
into the back of the TS206e (see note
at end of artide) or ^lectrum and
has a Teed-Thru" oonnector on its
back. The interface has a red and
green LED on lbs front, a contrast
adjustment knob on top, and a female
RCA type jack on its left aida
The gresn LED indicates the presence
of a oompoeite vkieo signal at the
(RCA) input jack. The red LED
indicates that the aoftware is in
"Scanning Mode", which I will discuss
teber. The contrast knob on top is to
adjust the black and white picture
Up until now, we have only dtocJuaeod
Word-Master as a word pmuwwor and
a file handier. This inataUment of
the Word-Master artkies will focus in
on Typeliner. The Desktop PubUsher"
program for use within Word-Master.
As discussed in previous artides,
Word-Master aUows you to k>ad in
contrast of the scanned image(s) as
they are displayed on ecreen and stored
within the computers memory. The
(RCA) composite vkieo signal input jack
is used to connect the interfsKe to the
composite vidsa yaurcs via a mate RCA
to male RCA patch cable (a ahiekled
cable is recommended and is available
from any Radio Shack store).
The "Scanning" software comes on
caeeette, in the form of a BASIC
program and companion machine code.
One of the important features is that
the SAVE (as weU as the programs
machine code LOAOii^) ia via BASKl
So is the Odpy statement for printer
output This means that the BASIC
may be modified for Uak I/O and
varioua printer tnterfaoe driveral
eut>-programs, or what I call Ifodides".
These modidee are mini machine code
programs which are executed from the
File Handling menu of Word-Master.
The TypeUner module iteelf ia a deakbop
pubtiehing program whidi allows you to
format taxt (induding fonts] and
graphka (SCREENte) in order to
produce an 8 1/2" x IT page.
Let us ixiw consider how a dedcfcop
published page comes together from
(Pleeee turn to 4.)
Using the package
Ones the hardware interface is plugged
into the back of the computer, the i
compoeite video signal cable is plugged i
in, and the vidfso eource k turned
"XJtr, the computer may then be
powered up and the aoftware ie
LOADed. Once the porgram hae loaded,
it auto-runs and produces the Main
Menu on screen. The main menu has
the following options;
(c) 1987 BY PMS.
T OR -SPACr « STOP SCANNING
12' OR V « START SCANNING
•S- « SAVE SCREEN 1 TO 6 OR ALL
^ e COPY
•E* « EXIT TO MENU
V = STEP SCREENS
^ s MOVE SCANN0N6 LEFT
V « MOVE SCANNING RIGHT
7* « MOVE SCANNING UP
■6' « MOVE SCANNING DOWN
'A* « ANIMATION ( 6 SCREENS )
T 8 FAST
•S-eSLOW
ADJUST LEVEL CONTROL FOR
THE BEST RESULTS
PRESS T = START SCANNING
•2* s ANIMATION ON
*J = ANIMATION OFF
(Continued on next page..)
4 0
Stodair DBdrtop Pufali^iing Jounwl
Wtnter 1991 Page 4
PrtMdng the T key or SPACE BAR
takes you into the scanning mode.
Here, the pictures and intages from
t m dlH|ilaywi on Hw
At this point you may make
adjustments to the (black and white]
contrast knob for picture quality,
remembering that "What you see is
what you get"— almost! Remember
that your monitor has a contrast as
weO as a brightness knob which wiU
also need adjustment! When I began
my first scanning, everything kukad
too dark, until I printed out the picture
to the printer. It then dfal not kxdc
neariy as dark. That is when I
realized I had dimmed the
I was WQ
When, during the scan, you see the
image you wish to capture, you then
press the or "P" key bo stop
scanning. At this point you can view
the last six screen 8can& This is done
to aUow for the time it takes for you
toe
1] Realize this is the image you wish
to save,
2) Prees the STOP key,
3) aUow the computer to realize it
must stop!
Once the scanning has stopped, you
may view the six savad images, save
any one or all of the six images (as
SCREEN$si COPY (via TS2040 or your
own full size printer code] any picture,
or animate the six imagea If none of
the images are what you want, you
can start scanning all over again!
One additknal feature is ttw abiUty to
adjust the scanning picture up, down,
left and right during scanning. This
faature is needed because SCHECN$6
only include the very canter of a
composite video screen display. Thus,
if your image is a bit bo the left and
out of the SCHEEN$ area, you couU
use the arrow key to bring the image
into the 9CREEN$ area.
In all, the VkleoFace digitizer from
Romantic Robot is a high quality add
on for the Sinclair Spectrum family of
computers. It is supplied in an
attractive, cusbomiaad case and it does
what it promiaes to da The only
thing tacking is indepth documentation
with haipful digitizii^ hints.
The VUeoFaca Digitiaer is available on
aale for '2S.9S from:
Romantfc Robot UK Ltd.
54 Deanscroft Avenue,
London NW9 SEN
VISA Accepted
Phonat 0BI-2D0 8B7D
NOTE- Word on the street
indk:ates the Vkleof ace may be
piuggad into the back of a TS206e
without Spectrum modification.
The SDP J assumes no
responsibility for damage to
hardware based on information
provkled in its newsletter.
the start (see Figure 1), Tt^re are
several different starting pointo suc^
as creating a graphic, capturing a
graphic or Just typing in an article
from a word procassor. As seen in
Figure 1, text for desktop publishing
Support Uord-flaster Outputs
j;\\\\\\N
mwwwwwww
seiscted and kaded into Word-Master
file handling. Word-jMaster fonts may
be loaded. Finally, the Typelii^
program module itself is kiaded and
executed drawing in all of the
dements to create the page. Once in
Typdiner, text is formated into any
9b» or shape column, and placad
anywhere on the page. In the same
manner, graphics are added to the
page Fonts and text Justificatkn are
changed via commands within the text
file itself. Finishing touches of boxes
and tines are then added in almost
any size or shape, mywhere on the
page via Typeliner itself.
Finally, Typeliner provides draft
printing. Near Letter Quality (three
paas printii«) or disk (/cassette)
output of the find resulting page.
There is no doubt that Word-Master.
Keadllner and Typeliner are together
The Most VersatUe" desktop publishing
package available for the Sinclair
Spectrum computers. It is also this
author's opinkn that it rivals any
package available on any eight-bit
computer system!
Editor^ Note: As of press tims,
there was word on the street that
ALL enters for Word-Master.
Typelimr, etc. shouki be sent toc
RMG
1419 1/2 TTh Street
Oregon Qty, OR 97045
(503) 655-7484
may be entered with Word-Master or
teaded from an alternate word
processing program such as MScript
GHiphics (SCREEN$e) may be k>aded
into Word-Master (via the FUe
Handling feature] from sadi sources
as video digitizers, or graphic art
programs.
Once ttx text and graphics are
Now for a few bite and pieces:
The SOPJ is knking to review other
vkieo digitizers avaitaUe for the
TS2D6a/Spectrum. Praducte sent in
for testing and review will be
promptly returned.
This issue was prqsared entirely with
Word-Master, Typeliner. Art Studk).
and Print Factory^ Quick Screen.
Next issue, kiok for the SDPJ*s first
annual "Product Roundiq?", a 16 point
font review, a knk at VscfcorWare's
PtX-FX and the tabest on the NEW
Pixel Print Professkxia] verskn. See
you in May! — MJF
I REMEMBER
SUPPORT YOU SINCLAIR DEALERSI
4 \
QL DESKTOP PUBLISHIHG by Frank Dnvie
Desk Top Publishing on the QL is a large, yet seldom broached
subject for QL users. I hope in this column to be of some help in
getting this subject known and in more use. There are several fairly
good programs and tools available to us. I will be first telling what
is available and from where.
I will list what programs are available (that I know of), price if
known, and from where they are to be gotten, along with what is
required in the way of hardware to run them. Next issue we will get
more into the differences to be found between these programs and some
tips on their use. Information from you the user is solicited, along
with your questions.
The first known DTP program for the QL seems to have been FRONT
PAGE, from Gap in England. This is set up to run from microdrive, and
can be ran on an unexpanded QL. It is available from SHARP'S
for S29.95 plus $1.00 P & H, and is also available from Mechanical
Affinity for $22,00 with P & H included. This program may also be
available from RMG, so you may want to check there also.
FRONT PAGE EXTRA III is similar to the above program, but is set
up to run from either disk or microdrive and can make use of expanded
memory. It can be purchased from SHARP'S for $34,95 plus $1.00 P & H.
This may also be available from RMG, but not from Mechanical Affinity
at this time. Both of these progran^ allow you to add pictures and
graphics into your text, as well as vary your print style and size
(font) .
PAGE DESIGNER is a program that is part of the QUANTA library and
can be purchased via their North American librarian, Paul Holmgren.
This can be set up on microdrive, but runs best on disk as it makes
use of numerous pictures, graphics and fonts. There is a slight charge
from the librarian to cover expenses, so give him a call early in the
evening at 317-291-6002 to inquire. I don't know if this program needs
memory expansion to run, as I have always used an expanded QL and
never a 128K one with it,
PAGE DESIGNER 2 is the non public domain and polished version of
the above program. I have yet to see this one in action, but it has
been favorably reviewed in QL World magazine. It is available from
SHARP'S for $59.95 plus $1.00 P & H.
DESKTOP PUBLISHER and DESKTOP PUBLISHER S. E. are available from
SHARP'S for $45.95 and $79.95 respectively. The special edition (S.
E. ) requires disk drives to use.
PROFESSIONAL PUBLISHER by Digital Precision is considered by QL
World to be the most extensive DTP for the QL. Many also consider it
to be the most complex to learn, coming with a manual large enough to
qualify as a book, I have used this enough to know that it can be put
to at least some use by even beginners, but still let you know that
there is a lot more to learn before becoming proficient at it. It does
require disk drives and is available from SHARP'S for $99.95 plus
$1.00 for P & H. This program, as well as DESKTOP PUBLISHER and
DESKTOP PUBLISHER SPECIAL EDITION can also be purchased direct from
Digital Precision Ltd. , 222 The Avenue, London E4 9SE.
Perhaps the easiest way to combine text and graphics is to
purchase the program Overdrive from SHARP'S for $24.95. This will
allow you to add graphic symbols to your Quill files. I have usually
seen this program listed under leisure in SHARP'S catalog which
throws one off into thinking it is a game.
I have all but Page Designer 2 (which I am getting) so as I get
more into these programs over the next few months I will be sharing
with you what I find out. Send anything you wish to share or ask to
UPDATE COMPUTER SYSTEMS, P. O. BOX 1095, PERU, IN 46970. See you next
issue. All dealers listed in this article have ads in this issue. F.
W. Davis
TWO-COI-UMM a. WIOE
TASWORD PRIMXOUTS
Bob Hartung, 241 6 N. County Line Rd. E.
Hunteptown, IN 46748
The foHoMing routine was devised to
get around the hassle oi doing a double-
pass to print out side-by-side columns
frc»B TASWORD -files. With a little a-fore-
thought in -forming the -file, it will al-
so print 65-128 characters per line with
alternate lines continued on the same
line as the one preceding. To do this,
word-wrap and right-justi-fy must be
turned of-f unless all just i-fi cat ion is
done in the second part o-f printed line.
I-f a -file is already in RAM either
from being loaded or written into TAS-
yORD, it will be preserved when this
routine is loaded in a-fter a BREAK is
made -from TASWORD Basic. Stored -files
may also be loaded into the routine i-f
device syntax is changed -from Oliger
SDOS as listed. A printer driver roust
be installed if you do not have SDOS or
a driver on EPROM.
NOTE: If lines 20-70 are deleted from
this routine and tape commands and FIND/
REPLACE deleted from TASWORD, this rou-
tine may be merged with TASWORD. Add
POKE 23300,60: POKE 23301,3 to line 9700
to use SDOS printer driver with lines
9702-9704, or else delete these lines.
28 CLEAR 33868
38 ON ERR RESET
48 INPUT "LOAD tasfile - f""Do LPRINT
- d-'-PRINTER set - c " ;a$
58 IF a*="f THEN INPUT "File name:
a$: LOAD /a*CODE
68 IF a$='c" OR a$=-d' THEN 60 TO 9788
78 60 TO 48
9788 ON ERR RESET : LET /p=o
9781 LET d$="»: CLS : LET o=NOT PI: LET
I=SGN PI
9782 INPUT "Enter 4 to skip printer-set
"js$: IF s$="4" THEN 60 TO W^L "9785"
9783 INPUT -Prtr CODE -1 TO STOP "|b: IF
bO-I THEN LET d^d$+CHR* b: PRINT b|"
■ j: 60 TO VAL "9783"
9784 LPRINT d$: IF a$="c" THEN 60 TO VAL
■22"
9785 INPUT "Left Marg: "ju'"Ctr Mar
g <>=2): "jc'-No. chrs/col : "jcols: DIM
c$(c): DIM d^(u): LET u=o: IF cols>VAL
"64" THEN LET u=I
9788 INPUT "First line no. to print; "jf
irstln: LET f i rstl n=f i rstl n-I : LET tasfi
le=VAL "f irst^n»64•^33288": LET b=I : LET
c=I
9789 ON ERR 60 TO MAL "9888"
9710 LET linect=o: LET pglines=VAL "54"
9711 FOR N=tasf ile TO WL "52488" STEP M
AL ■64"-H#»L "64"*u
9712 PRINT AT INT PI,o}
9715 INPUT "": PRINT #0|AT I+I,o|- LINE
";c'" BREAK LPRINT TO STOP " jpgl i nes;
5 1 inect-H
9738 LPRINT d*j
9735 FOR J=N TO N+cols-I
9748 IF PEEK j >VAL "31" ^D PEEK j<VAL "
128" THEN PRINT CHR$ PEEK Jj: LPRINT CHR
% PEEK J;
9741 NEXT J
9742 LET c=c+I : IF u THEN LPRINT : 60 TO
MAL "9770"
9743 LET col s2=N+pgl i nes«VWL "64"-I
9745 LPRINT c$j
9746 PRINT AT INT <PI*PI),o;
9747 FOR x=co1s2 TO cols2-Kcois
9748 IF PEEK x>m "31" AND PEEK x<VAL "
128" THB>I PRINT CHR* PEEK xj: LPRINT CHR
% PEEK x;
9749 NEXT x
9758 LPRINT
9762 LET 1 inect=l inect+I : IF linect=pgli
nes THEN LET pglines=^WL ■57": LET linec
t=o: LET N=cols2+I: 60 TO VAL "9988"
9778 NEXT N
9800 PRINT FLASH I'" STOP LPRINT "$ PAUS
E UAL "100": LPRINT : ON ERR RESET : 60
TO VAL "28"
9988 LET b=b+I : INPUT "Insert PA6E ";<b)
jb*
9928 60 TO VAL "9778"
DROPPED BYTES
When your MSCRIPT V5 drops an occasional
printer-data byte after an AB switch and
patch cable have been inserted into a
parallel printer line, this fix sug-
gested by John Oliger in his I.F. manual
may work: POKE 35834,0. It may also
work on later versions, but ONLY if the
original values are 192 for PEEK 35834
and 8 for PEEK 42845, respectively. I
have used it on both my Oliger and Aerco
I.F.s, although the Oliger I.F. did not
show any problem with the original code
even with the AB switch and added patch
cable inline. Apparently the additional
transmission-distance as well as the
processing by the I.F. sometimes causes
a wait signal from the printer to be
delayed so it doesn't change the READY
state in time. — Bob Hartung
PRESIDENT him rim
WOUm'T IT BE imVE^rUL TO VJSCOK'l?. 0?. flHV A UCHmi so POWERFUL THAT
ONE COULV WAVE A MAGIC i')AHV AT IT AHV TT COUIV LOOK fOH ANP TJHV ANV OR
ALi OF T?^E LETTERS » FIIES, RE CORPS , PROGRAMS OR POCUhlEHTS VOU f/AVE
STOREP IN IT AHV AtiT'OM AT" XO A JL jL V / / ^ WffllE yOU ARE ASIEEP
OJ? At'JAy, PRINT AS -MAN^ COPIES OF AS MANV FliES AS VOU f/AVE JHKI! !}!!!!
IT WOUiP SE EVEN MORE AMAZING IF THIS PRINTER AMP COMPUTE?. CO'JLV
FIT IN A SMAii, SHOULVE?, SAG ANP '.'.'EIGff iESS THAN 3 POL'NPS//
y4 7^ /i^ MX1'<lACrjL£ / /
INCREPIBi/, SUCH A COMBINATION E.KISTS ANP CAN BE HAP FOR iESS THAN
A THOL'SANP POL LARS/
THE COkiPUTEP, IS THE Z-^B S *
THE PRINTER IS THE PICONIX ISO
IT Wlil PRINT PAGES, OR 5^ MINUTES NOISE IESS U'lTHOL'T EXTERNA!
EiECTRicrry . c'ith the ac apapter pujggev in, you coulv ask it to print
1 MIIilON COPIES, OR UNTIl SOU^THIHQ WEARS OUT PROBABiy THE IN.*: (t'lli
RUN OUT AT AMOUT BOO COPIES. THE CO^JiPUTE?. IS GOOV FOR 20 HOURS ON 4 AA
BATTERIES ANP FOREVER ON THE AC APAPTER.'
THE PICON IX PRINTS EPSON, IBM, GRAPHICS, ^.CJS.XP.T: , POUBiE WIPTH,
CDNDEHSED, subsohxpt, e"J'«»«'<=»iP'^ , ITAI ICS- ( EXCEPT 'iBM) , "OR ANy COMBINATION
OF THESE.
IF EiECTRicrry is avaiiabie, you can use the c-?s/? square pot printer,
aiHICH is a lITTiE FASTER, ANP COSTS A LITTLE LESS THAN THE PKOHIK,
ALTMOfJGH IT IS NOISIER. THE RIBBON IS A ilTTlE CHEAPER THAN THE m<, ANP
IS SOOP FOR ABOUT 35>> PA«ES.
There are seyeral places "to buy the computer
and or i;ha printrers.
BtiT— THERE IS ONLY ONB PLi^CE TO BUY THE KNOULEDGE OF HOW
TO HAKE THE MACHINE DO THESE FANTASTIC THINGS ! I
100 pt.iz^nX SECURITV FROM VIRUSES'/
.jg!— ^ cAu TO mum rm pmn^mnofi y ^
THE EASIEST ANP BEST WORP PROCESSING PROGRA„M.'/
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN PRINTEP yi.cy.C^ ^J^,<zj^ ^ JSLy ON THE lii.
44
DOMINO CUBES 2 12! X 56^3e
♦ MEUJ VORK 01 TV li^iZIl e— 1 ^<2tl
pr-esi cfer»-t mike -fink
THE NAME OF THIS FILE IS DISKRIPTIOH.PD, IT LISTS AND DESCRIBES THE VARIOUS DISKS
THAT ARE FOR SALE.
DISKS CAN BE MADE TO ORDER FOR YOU, JUST CHOOSE WHATEVER FILES OR PROGRAMS YOU NEED
OR WANT AND WE WILL TOTAL THE COST AND IF POSSIBLE DEDUCT A LITTLE IF YOU CHOOSE
SEVERAL PROGRAMS ON ONE DISK. A SMALL DESCRIPTION OF EACH TITLE IS GIVEN ON PAGE 2, TO
HELP YOU SELECT THE ONES YOU WISH. MANUAL ft IS A BEGINNERS MANUAL AND IS FREE, (ALONG
WITH SOME OTHER FREE TITLES,) IF YOU BUY THE Z-88 FROM US. MANUAL B IS AN ADVANCED
MANUAL THAT GOES INTO SOME DETAIL. MANY OF THE AREAS ARE COVERED IN GREATER DETAIL
SEPARATELY IN COLUMNS A,B AND C. WHEN MANUAL B IS FINISHED, IT WILL COVER ALL THE AREAS
THAT ARE COVERED SEPARATELY, BUT NOT AS DEEPLY DETAILED.
SEE THE FOLLOWING PAGES FOR DETAILED DISKRIPTIONS
$5
A
1 ELITE96.PD
2 FLAG-6R.BAS
3 USER-DEFl.BAS
4 BOXES. PD
5 CONDENSED 1 32. PD
6 CONDELITE160.PD
7 PR0P77NJ . PD
8 PRIORITY. PD
9 DX150WIDTHS.PD
10 BAR-GRAPH. BAS 4
SOME DISK FILES
YET, DO NOT HAVE
$10
B
QUAD-EQ.BAS
PATTERNS-GR.BAS
FORMATTING. PD 3|c
MANUAL-A.L ♦
ALL-LOTTO. BAS ♦
LIST-FILE. PD
CHECKBOOK. PD
$15
C
HEADS-TAILS. BAS
DERIV-SP-SH.PD
SPSH-FUNCTS.PD
PR-ED-EXS.PD
FORMAT-EX . BAS
CAN BE ISSUED ON PAPER PRINTOUTS,
A DISK DRIVE.
$25
D
ANAeRAMS3-7.BAS
MAIL-MERGE
REMOTE-CNTRL.PD
MANUAL B
BASIC-PATCH-A
BASIC-PATCH-B
BLAISE. BAS
$50
E
PRIMES-FINKS. BAS
FORM1040SPSH.PD
PC-LINK-QL
PAYROLL-SPSH.PD
FOR LESS MONEY FOR PEOPLE WHO AS
$75
F
PC-LINK- IBM
MONEY-TABLES. L
$100
G
$125
H
PC-LINK-MAC
♦ SPELLCHK-PC
$
J
$250
K
^PIPEDREAM-PC
* MOST IMPORTANT FILE TO HAVE FOR UNDERSTANDING WORD PROCESSING.
♦ FREE FILES WHEN YOU BUY THE Z-88 FROM DOMINO CUBES.
V 32K EPROMS COST $45 + $0
^ 12BK EPROMS COST $95 + $0
^ 3.5" or 5-1/4"
O = 1/2 THE COST OF EACH DISK DRIVE PROGRAM.
EXAMPLE?
D1+D2 ON 32
Dl
Dl
EPROM
t D2 ON SEPARATE DISKS = $50
f D2 ON ONE DISK
= $40
$45 + $12.50 + $12.50 = $70
use: ELITE-1 .pep; n=l ; COL. A=^6, C0L.B==88. SAVE C:B2.EiAl. 95 SEC
45
PRESIDENT.... MIKE FINK
page 2 - DESCRIPTION OF THE FILES (numbered ON PAGE 1)
DISK D3 IS FREE' WHEN YOU BUY THE 2-88 FROM HE; IF YOU SIGN THE N0N-0IVUL6EKT PLED6E!!
A! TO m.n n CHARACTERE/LINE instead of 8f...DETfiILED INSTRUCTIONS AND EXARPLES.
A2 =eEGIMNERS EJAHPLE OF SIHPLE GRAPHICS MITHOUT BOISS INTO THE 6RAPHICS HODE; USA FLAG, AND PROBRAH IN BBC BASIC.
A3 =HOM TO REACH SPECIAL GRAPHICS CHARACTERS (EPSON), IN BBC BASIC HITH EXCELLENT EXTRA EXAMPLE OF HON TO PRINT
DIFFERENT FONTS FROM BASIC, AND HON TO USE THE LITTLE KNOKN SPACE COKHAND, AND A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE OF HON AND NHERE
TO USE THE WIDTH COHHANDf"
A4 =HON TO ySE PIPEDREAH TO DO QUICK GRAPHICS NITHOUT PR0BRAHHIH6 IN BASIC, MAKING USE OF THE TRANSLATABLE CHARACTERS IN
THE PRINTER EDITOR. SEE DISK « FOR PRINTER EDITOR EXAMPLES!
AS =HON TO MAKE 132 CHARACTERS/LINE INSTEAD OF 80... DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS AND EXAMPLES.
A6 =H0» TO MAKE 161 CHARACTERS/LINE INSTEflD OF 8«... DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS AND EXAMPLES.
ft7 =H0« TO USE PROPORTIONAL SPACING, (-LOSING JUSTIFICATION-), SOME DETAIL
A8 =EXPLAINS THE 2-88'S ALPHABETICAL SORTING PRIORITIES; IF POSSIBLE????
A9 =HON TO MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENT CHARACTER WIDTHS ON THE OICONEX 151; DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS.
AI«=BAR-6RAPH AND/OR PROBABILITY CURVE EXAMPLES FREE NITH PURCHASE OF THE 2-88
BI ^^PRINTS THE REAL ROOTS FOR ALL BUADRATIC E8UATI0NS, IF ROOTS ARE IMAGINARY, IT SO STATES.
B2 FUSING THE Z-88 CHARACTER CODE AND THE PRINTER mm TRANSLATIONS, THIS HAKES BEAUTIFUL PATTERNS THAT YOU CAN ALTER
BY MODIFYING THE PR06RAM: IN COLOR IF YOU HAVE A COLOR PRINTER.
$1£ 63 =H{»f TO ^mm PROBABLY THE HOST IITOTftWT FILE, ALOMO NITH DISK C4! !
B4 'THE UNDERSTANDABLE BE6IW«RS MANUAL BY MIKE FINK, THAT ALLOWS YOU TO USE AND ENJOY THE 2-88 WITHOUT SETTIIffi
FRUSTRATED AND ANGRY, TRYING TO FIND ANSWERS IN THE CAMBRIDGE MANUAL WHICH IS 60BBLEDEEG00K.
B5 ^PROGRAM IN BBC BASIC GENERATES RANDOM LOTTO NOS. FOR ANY STATE L0TT0~BY MIKE FINKJ FREE WKWN YOU BUY THE 2-88 FROM
DOMINO CUBES.
Bh =HOW TO MAKE AND USE LIST-FILES
B7 =BALAI«:E YIBIR MONTHLY BAMC STATEMENT-8UICK,EASY
CI =A SHORT COURSE IK aEIOTARY PROBABILITY.
C2 ^EXAMPLES ^ HOW TO CREATE AUTOMATIC DERIVATIVES WITH THE POWERFUL SPREADSHEET FUNCTIONS! !
$15 C3 ^EXAMPLES OF HOW TO USE MOST OF THE SPREADSHEET FUNCTIONS-QUICKER AND EASIER THAN PROGRAMHINB! *
C4 =HOK TO USE THE PRINTER EDITOR; THE MOST IMPORTANT FILE AFTER DISK B3.
C5 =HOW TO FORMAT YOUR SCREEN AND PAPER PRINTING FOR YOUR OWN PR06R(«!S, A MATHEMATICAL INVENTION BY MIKE FINK, MAKES YOUR
MARGINS AND OUTPUT EASY.
DI =THIS PROGRAM PERMUTES M THINGS, N AT A TIME. THE THIRBS IT PERMUTES, ARE LETTERS, NUMBERS, SPACES, SYMBOLS OR ANY
COHBINATItM OF TiSSE. FOR EXAMPLE IT WILL PRINT ALL ARRANGEMENTS OF 4 LETTER WORDS FROM A 6R(K^ OF 4 OR MORE LETTERS!
D2 »THIS PROGRAM IN PIPEDREAH; ALLOWS YOU TO CREATE YOUR OWN MAILING LIST AND MAKE ONE LETTER WHICH CAN <HiTOMTICALLY BE
ADDf^SSED TO ALL OR SOME OF m PEOPLE ON YOU MAILING LIST. ! !
D3 =REMOTE CIMROL - A DISCO\€RY BY MIKE FINK; REQUIRES THAT YOU PUT IN WRITING THAT IF YOU PURCHASE THIS INFORMATION,
125 YOU WILL NOT NOT MAKE COPIES FOR OTt€RS, NOR GIVE THIS KNOWLEDGE TO ANY OTHER PEOPLE ! !
THIS SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE IS FOR THE SOLE USE AND ENJOYMENT OF MY CUSTOMERS! !
D4 =AN ADVANCED MANUAL BY ME, COMPILED FROM ALL THE OTHER FILES THAT TEACH AND SHOW YOU HOW TO MAKE THIS INCREDIBLY
SOPHISTICATED COMPUTER DO SO MANY INTRICATE, FASCINATING AND WONDERFUL THINGS.
D5 ^ALLOWS ON SCREEN LINE EDITTING OF BBC BASIC WITHOUT GOING BACK AND FORTH TO PIPEDREAH, SHOWS SOPHISTICATED
PROGRAMflING FOR GRAPHICS.
D6 ^ALLOWS ON SCREEN LINE EDITTINS OF BBC BASIC WITHOUT GOING BACK AND FORTH TO PIPEDREAH, SHOWS SOPHISTICATED
PROGRAMMING FOR GRAPHICS.
D7 sA GREAT SCREEN VIDEO SHOWING PASCAL'S TRIANGLE, A BALL VISIBLY AND AUDIBLY FALLING THRU THE TRIANGLE CREATING THE
PROBABILITY CURVE SHOWN ON SCREEN AS A BAR-CHART!!!
OOMIMO CLJBEIS SIS 1 15^31
PRESIDENT MIKE FINK
page 3 - DESCRIPTION OF THE FILES (numbered ON PAGE 1)
DISK D3 IS FREE! NHEN YOU BUY THE Z-8B FROH m IF YOU SI6H THE NON-D I VUL6ENT PLEOBEii
S2ssssss=s=zszzs=s=r====ssrss=sss==s=2s==sr=s=r=5s=s=ss=rssss====zsssr35==s==rs=ss=s=ssss=ss=sss=s:s=s=sss===^
Ei =EMTER my m, LESS THAN A BILLION, AND IN A FEW SECOflDS, YOU KILL KNO« IF THE NO. IS A PRIHE, AND IF KOTjiHAT ITS
FACTORS ARE, IF THE NO. FALLS INTO ONE OF HIKE FIWC'S FAKlLmi DISCUSSED IN DETAIL. fiR. FINK IS THE FIRST PERSON ON
THIS PLANET TO DISCOVER THE SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEH. HIS ORIGINAL PAPER MAS PUBLISHED IN RENSA HA6A6AZINE SOKE
YEARS m, AND LENDS ITSELF TO THE SIHPLE PR06RAN SKONN, WHICH IS THE RESULT OF Cffl-LABORATION NITH HR. FM'S BROTHER
ROBERT FINKI (-CMiADA-h
IH E2 =A «ULTI-PA6E INCOHE TAX FORM SPREADSHEET THAT ALLOKS YOU TO CUSTOHIZE XOH TAX LAYWJT SO THAT ONCE YOUVE FIXED IT,
EACH YEAR, YOU JUST FILL IN THE NUflBERS, PUSH ONE BUTTON AND ALL-ALL-ALL THE CALCULATIONS ARE NABE FOR YWif AND YOU
PRINT AS tm COPIES OF ALL, OR PART OF, THE RETURN AS YOU REQUIRE NITHOUT HAVIN6 TO 60 TO A COPY SHOP!!! ONCE YOU
HODIFY THE FQRHS TO FIT YOUR NEEDS, YOU SAVE IT ON A DISK OR AN EPROH, AND YOU CAN DO YOUR NHOLE RETl«N IN LESS
THAN AN HOUR!!!
E3 »SOFTNARE AND A CABLE TO TRANSFER FILES AND SPREADSHEETS TO AND FROH YOUR QL ! !
E4 ^PRINTS PAYROLL CHECKS AND DEDUCTIONS FOR AS 616 A LIST AS YOU NISH, AUTOMATICALLY AFTER YOU ENTER THE DATA
FI spC-LIMK-IBHl CABLE, SOFTNARE, 5-1/4' DISK; TRANSFERS FILES TO AND FROH IBH TYPE PC'S
175 F2 =EVERYTHIN6 INV0LVIN6 HOIttY, INTEREST, AND TIKE BY HIKE FINK
12? B
HI =«AaiNKi CABLE, SOFTNARE, DISK} TRANSFERS FILES TO AND FROH HAC TYPE PC'S
$125 H2 s3.5' OR 5-1/4* SPELLCHECKER FOR THE PC{ Um LOADED BECOMES A PULL-DONN HENU AND OPERATES FROH WTHIN PIPEDREAN. IT
PROVIDES CHECK-AS-YOU-TYPE, OR FILE CHECKIN6, USER DICTIONARIES, 9«,i0B NORO HASTER DICTIONARY, BR0NSIN8 NITH
NILDCARDS AND ANABRAHS. ON A FAST COflPUTER, SPELLCHECK CHECKS AT ABOUT 4i,0i0 NORDS PER HINUTE.
J
K! «PC PIPEDREAK DISK— 6IVES THE SPREADSHEET AND NORO PR0CESSIN6 FUNCTIONS OF PIPEOREAH DIRECTLY INTO A PC ON EITHER
iM SIZE DISK, AND ADDS FINANCIAL FUNCTIONS, POPULATION VARIANCE, ALLONS YOU TO REDEFINE THE PC KEYBOARD, USE FOREIBN
CHARACTER SETS, RftCRO FILES, PRINTER DRIVERS, LOTUS CONVERSION, AND HORE
l^oo 7^ Ave. Su/fe. /-C
A/ec^ York, NY lOO^^
47
NON— EPSON SCREEN
DUMPS FROM EASEL
— Bob Hartung —
All is not lost for Trump Card users who
want to do screen-dumps from Easel but
do not have an Epson-compatible printer.
All that is required is to make a screen
save as provided by the program, then
after aborting the program, load this
data back into the display file where
the Trump Card SDUMP (or other screen-
dump SW) may be used on it. This pro-
cedure may also be used on screen data
saved as in example 1 for SBYTES in the
keyvords section of QLUG.
Insert DIR to display a directory before
entering LOAD name. Note that the first
value in SDP_SET must define the type of
your printer. Experiment with others of
the same make if your particular model
isn't listed in the TC manual. A RESET
will abort EASEL and load in this
routine as BOOT if saved on your screen-
data disk/mdv.
SCREEN DUMP ROUTINE
100 FLP_USE flp
110 TK2_EXT
120 CLS #1
125 INPUT 'Scale 1-2-3: ';sc
130 SDP_SET 16.sc,1: REMark C.Itoh
140 INPUT 'Screen name (in flp2_); '\nam
e$
150 name$='flp2_' & name$ & '_pic'
160 INK #0,0: CLS #0: CLS #1
165 WMON
170 LBYTES name$, 131072
180 SDUMP
190 INK #0,7
200 STOP
210 SAVE flp1_ scrndmpCIT
/XEDCO
iiiiiiiiiir\A-A^
gCM£ lllCTMiC M999T CB
Box 18093 Austin TX 78760
Ph (512) 451-5874
Software for the G)L_ that really works
Now has in-stock the very best true WYSIWYG
QL word-processor: text*' ver 3.01 with Qtyp
spell check and several new features, (and
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COMPUTER THERAPY
Bill Woodward
In the spring of 1980, I suffered two brainstem strokes. The legacy
of the apoplexy was very little physical damage, but mostly mental,
e.g., aphasia, apraxia, ataxia (impairment of speech, coordinated
movements, and involuntary muscles), and loss of equilibrium. Thirteen
days in the local VA Medical Center and six weeks convalescence at
home let prepared me to return to my work as a teacher in Florida
State Prison.
In October 1980, a fellow teacher purchased the world's first com-
puter under $200.00 the ZX80 for me. Ky condition would not let me
make the purchase myself. This was the start of putting my mind back
together .
As time and money dictated, I acquired the ZX80 upgrade, a 64K ram
pack, the ZX81, the SPECTRUM, the TS2068 and other goodies ever see-
king the THE COMPUTER. In January of 1983, the stress of the Job fin-
ally disabled me with "poststroke syndrome" and I had to quit work.
I was learning computing to communicate. Word and math games were
a must. Over the years they have 'rewired" my brain. Word processing
seemed a must. I search high and low for information, for programs,
for anything that would aid in my recovery.
My attention was taken by a short math program in the SYNC maga-
zine. I toyed with it, I dreamed of it, and played with this program
through the ZX81 up and finally on the TS2068 I developed a program
for the SUM magazine, i.e., SKILY FACE ARITHMETIC.
I purchased several word processors (? ) as they were being developed
for the ZX computers. Most left a lot to be desired, but BcDb
Finger le's processor was the best up to that time. As a matter of nec-
essity, in a term paper in December of 1982, I used LPRINT and the
statement for each line to print a two page term paper for my college
class. It was slow but it worked.
Vhen Tasword II, with its embedded printer commands, made its debut
it became my mouth piece. Vhen Sir Clive made the Quantum Leap, that
was Ice Water to a thirsty man. Unless you have been deprived of use
of some of your faculties you will never understand how exuberant I
became with my new QL and its Psion software; out of this world!
When I was elected editor of the stroke club bulletin, I said, "You
are all out of your trees." The first one page bulletin took me three
months and looked like the first letter a grade school student wrote.
I edited the stroke club bulletin for four years, each one an improve-
ment on the previous one. I made a minor data file of the member's
names, addresses, phone numbers, spouses, and birthdays.
Vhen it came to making address labels, it was easier for me to
figure out how to print the three across label from QL Spread Sheet
than it was to figure out how DUMP works on the QL Data Base, so I
print all our mailing labels by using the QL spread sheet.
I also needed a good Checkbook Balancer. To me the only near good
one was the one for the ZX81 after I had modified it. Don't get me
wrong. I am not a programmer. All I know about the computer is what I
have learned from necessary since I had my strokes. My brain does not
always give me the information I need for the job at hand. I have to
keep the manuals handy so I can refresh my memory on how to or what
does the present job. I am not crying over spilt milk. I am proud of
the fact that the Good Lord gave me enough gumption to get in there
and scratch for the knowledge to make this computer do as I say do.
After eight years of digging I am still digging and thankful to
have the energy to keep at it. I am glad that Bill Fischer has given
me the room in his QLUSA to place my commercial. THERE IS NO SUCH
THING AS A FREE MEAL or a computer that runs itself as you wish it to
do. I know what you are experiencing when you sit down to the computer
and stare at the keyboard and the cursor blinks back at you.
1 am going to try to remember the times I have wondered to myself,
"Which key do I punch to get this thing started?" Then I will write
out an article about WHAT DO I DO AFTER I TURN ON THE SWITCH.
I have had to buy software, firmware and hardware to get my compu-
ter to get my computer to obey me. 1 am still in the novice class af-
ter eight years. I am not afraid to ask questions, or to have anyone
to show me how to do something. Most of what I work with was developed
or inspired by others. Two operations that are a must in computing is
to SAVE and BACKUP frequently, DDO NOT LEAVE YOUR COMPUTER. EVER
WITHOUT SAVING WHAT YOU ARE WORKING ON! 2) DO NOT QUIT FOR THE DAY
WITHOUT BACKING UP YOUR DISK OR MICRO CARTRIDGE. When you have worked
for hours and failed to SAVE or BACKUP and had a sudden lightning
strike and your monitor looks 1 ike f inger painting by Gargantua you
will wish you had both SAVEd and BACKUPped! Believe me.
So I put ray Bank Statement Reconciliation ideas to work on the QL
spread sheet. See the results on the front page of QLusa Vol.1988/ ISS
#1. A noriBal programmer should write that in couple of hours, but it
took me several years. Each idea had to be developed and tested to see
if it did the work that I needed. Some ideas came to me in the middle
of a deep sleep and by the time I was awake they had vanished but re-
turned at a later date. Since my strokes, I have had to remove the
word FRUSTRATION from my vocabulary and replaced it with the word IN-
SPIRATION. Now when something will not work, instead of getting hot
and blowing up I remain calm and use the cause of my failure as an
incentive to correct the problem. I was warned to stay out of all
STRESSFUL situations.
The beauty of the QLSS is the fact that you only have to fill one
square at a time, and it is very easy to see what you do as you raodi
fy the "program" and you can see the result of each change as you make
it. More on this later.
The QL with Quill and Abacus became ray work horse. All of my coi
respondence is on the word processor and all ray doodling is on the
spread sheet. From what I have heard no other computer has all the
ease of operation as the QL with the Psion programs.
IF
Have you ever wondered what you would do IF the corajaand IF was sud-
denly obliterated from the computer languages. If IF was not available
to the computer hobbyist it would have had to be invented.
In the Check Book Balancer I needed a way of differentiating be-
tween debiting a check amount and crediting a deposit amount. QLUG
ABACUS Page 44 IFCexpression, true , false ) . Remember, in its native
tongue, binary, the computer speaks only two ciphers, 1 & 0, true and
false, or as a switch on and off. In cell El 0 we placed the formula
IF(D10, G9+D10, G9-E10) . Translated into English this reads IF cell BIO
contains a number add the amount in cell DIO to the total in cell E9
and put it in ElO, or if cell BIO does not contain a number subtract
the amount in cell DIO from the total in E9 and put it in ElO. In
ABACUS you can link together or concatenate many IF staten^nts to make
the computer choose among many alternatives, e.g.>
IF<B10, E9+D10, IF<C10, B95*^.D10, IFCAIO, E9/D10, E9-D10) ) )
In BASIC this expression, IF. . THEN. . ELSE, also gives us a way to
program the computer into making a choice . The statement reads IF the
statement is true THEN the computer wi 1 1 do this; IF the statement is
false it will do ELSE.
We have one more IF statement, QLUG ARCHIVE page 44 IF n.exp ; . . . [
: else : . . .3 : endif. Without ELSE If the expression is true the fol-
lowing statements are executed. IF false execution transfers to the
statement following endif. With else if true the statements between IF
and else are executed. Otherwise the statements between else and endif
are executed.
These are a few of the ways this little inslgnif leant ( 7 ) I F can be
used. 1 have only scratched the surface to show you that with a little
ingenuity and perserverance you can work wonders with the Psion soft-
ware ,
OL UPDATE ISSUE DISKS
These disks contain at least one major piece of software written
specifically for disk drive and are guaranteed to be worth the
money. The rest of the disks are filled with various utility
programs taken from the issues of UPDATE and a few surprises
thrown in. Half of the money goes to the author and is meant to
encourage new programming for the QL that makes use of the
disk drive systems, and microdrives on both the expanded and
unexpanded QL. Where possible we will give a version for each of
these configurations. Some of the programs take advantage of TK2
by Tony Tebby. All are 20.00, except QLuster, which is $15.00;
includes P & H, add $1.00 CAN . Available as 3 1/2 or 5 1/4 disks.
Add $5.00 for mailing to other countries. We accept personal
checks, company checks, money orders as well as International
Postal Money Orders, but no charge cards. If ordering on MDV ,
then please include one that is already formatted, so we will
know it will run on your QL. Due to the expense of MDVs this is
necessary. If two MDVs are required we will state so in the ad.
1) HARTUNG UTILITY ISSUE DISK- Several excellent programs such
as stand alone data base, Address, and QSO files. All are in
Superbasic. Lots of hints and tricks for programmers. Requires
some knowledge of Superbasic or a yen to learn. Recently updated
by Bob Hartung. Address file can be used as inventory program.
It can print out labels. Both screen or paper printouts can be
by Alpha sort, or be by last name.
2) CABLE ARCHIVE ISSUE DISK- Contains six Archive programs along
with Doc files to get you going on making use of the Archive
programming language. Also has Tasket , plus Doc file, to give
you multi-tasking on your QL (much cheaper than ORAM or
Taskmaster). Included is Arithmetic, a Superbasic program for
math, along with math drills. This is for both the advanced and
beginner user and greatly extends the use of Archive. To order
on microdrive send two formatted microdrives, too much for one!
3) QLUSTER ISSUE DISK by Al Feng- Ql utilities to unclutter your
disks and microdrives. COPY, DELETE, FORMAT, PRINT, VIEW, plus
extended use of some Tool Kit 2 commands. TK2 is required. These
are TURBO compiled for speed. Multitasks and uses minimal key
presses. Includes Fast-Disk and Vegemat2, a super clone making
program. Also Snap Shot-a directory column or condensed printout
program .
4) DOS EMULATOR COMPANION ISSUE DISK by Al Feng- dust released
in Oct. issue. Makes better use of Solution, PC Conqueror,
Discover, XOVER , QLuster and scr_codes. If you are going to use
the emulators, then check this out, you won't regret this buy.
5) QLuMSi DOS by Al Feng- a MSDOS simulator and front end
program for the QL , also includes other programs by AL Feng for
file management and cloning of programs. A Great Learning Tool
UPDATE COMPUTER SYSTEMS invites you to submit software programs
that may become Issue Disks. Please submit program on disk, with
documentation and article to accompany the program. We are here
to get North American software available and known. We solicit
programs, tips, reviews and utilities for future issues.
TS2068 UPDATE ISSUE DISKS
These disks contain at least one major piece of software written
specifically for disk drive and are guaranteed to be worth the
money. The rest of the disks are filled with various utility
programs taken from the issues of UPDATE and a few surprises
thrown in. Half of the money goes to the author and is meant to
encourage new programming for the TS2068 that makes use of the
various disk drive systems. Presently we are offering disks for
the Larken and Oliger Interfaces, but have programs available
for the Aerco (just as soon as I hear that there is a demand to
have available). All are $20.00 per disk (add $1.00 Canada) and
include postage and handling. The programs have been Temporarily
lowered in price to make them more widespread among the TS2068
Users! Both 3 1/2 and 5 1/4, 40 and 80 track available. Please
add $5.00 for mailing to other countries. We accept personal
checks, company checks, money orders as well as International
Postal Money Orders. We do not have facilities for charge cards.
1) MITCHELL BUDGET DISK, with wide spreadsheet printer driver,
MS-TAS and various other utilities. Available as either Larken
or as Oliger format.
2) Bob Hartung DOSDEX UTILITY ISSUE DISK, a complete disk
management group of programs for the Oliger Interface only. This
includes Multi-Manager for file handling. This collection has
recently been updated.
3) MAIL MERGE ISSUE DISK, Oct 87 and Jan 88 issues of UPDATE
utilities added to fill out this disk. Includes a tutor program
for the Mail Merge program, List Looker, Purity, J-Utilities and
Extra Memory Utilities.
4) MITCHELL VIEW CALC ISSUE DISK, forget the old slow VC for
tape! The rest of the disk is filled with other utilities
plus some Public Domain for fillers. At this time for Larkerr
format only.
5) OLIGER DISK DRIVE BBS PROGRAM, this allows users of the
Oliger interface to be able to operate a disk based bulletin
board from the TS2068. The disk is also filled with many other
Oliger disk routines and tips on using the Oliger System. New by
Paul Holmgren. Can use upto four DSQD disk drives.
6) The HYBISCUS ENSEMBLE, consisting of two separate, but
complimentary sets of programs. A) Daisy. B6 Ensemble, and B)
Udbm.B6 Ensemble. LKDOS only, $22 each or $36 for both. The best
file and database available for Larken, by Bill Jones. The price
remains the same on this one, no change. Wordprocessor included.
UPDATE COMPUTER SYSTEMS invites you to submit software programs
that may become Issue Disks. Please submit program on disk, with
documentation and article to accompany the program. We are here
to get North American software available and known. We also
solicit minor programs, tips and utilities for print in future
issues of the magazine. Please do not submit unlistable programs
or copy protected programs.
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